Mildred Kathleen Wright Hildebran, known most by “Kat,” adoring mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025. She was born on May 20, 1942 in Burke County. Kat graduated from George Hildebran High School, became a registered nurse from Western Piedmont and received a bachelor’s degree from University of North Carolina Greensboro. She dedicated over half of her life caring for and providing quality care to patients of Western North Carolina. Kat was a valued nurse at surrounding hospitals, including Catawba Valley Medical and Grace Hospital. She retired from Broughton Hospital in 2007.

After retirement, Kat was able to fulfill one of her dreams of living at the beach. She created a community of friends in Southport, North Carolina. She spent many hours enjoying the sun, sand and a good book.

Kat was known for her famous biscuits “Cathead Biscuits,” pound cakes, and coleslaw. Her family and friends left her house with a full belly and a happy heart as Kat was the best joke teller. Kat had a green thumb and took great pride in her garden and plants. She could also sew, knit or crochet anything she wanted.

Kat was preceded in death by her parents, Sherman and Margie Chapman Wright, and daughter, Tina Hildebran West (Chet).

Kat was the baby of a large family, she is preceded in death by her 9 siblings, Eli, Jay, Jack, Charles, Walter “Monk”, Cleo, Ruth, Frannie, Caroline.

She leaves behind a family and friend group that will miss her greatly. Her daughters Kathy Lanham (Mike), Amy Helms (Art), Heidi Harvey (Dan).

She was “Granny Kat” to her 11 grandchildren- Amber McIntire (Robby), Sean Lanham (Jessica), Christopher Lanham (Hannah), Andrew Lanham (Becca), John Lanham (Caitlin), Anna Lowman (Brian), Austin Helms, Jason West (Kasey), Heather Piland (Carl), Adam and Will Harvey. Granny Kat also leaves behind her great-grandchildren with lots of laughter, who thought she was wonderful!

Her great grandchildren include Kaylee & Elliott McIntire, John and Natalie Lanham, Karoline Lanham, and Lillian Lanham; Luke, Brooks and Adalynn Lowman, Jailyn Hagler, Riley & Hank West, and Ellis Piland.

She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that loved her dearly.

Kat’s legacy was her family. She adored her four girls, sons-in-law, and her grandchildren.

Her jokes, recipes and generous giving of gifts are just a few of the many things she will be remembered for by her entire family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 5:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, with Rev. Eldon Hinegardner officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

The family would like to thank Amorem Hospice & Palliative Care of Burke, for their kindness and care over the years.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to;
Tina West Sunshine Scholarship fund at ASU Foundation,
ATTN: Gina Harwood, ASU Box 32176, Boone, NC 28608
www.rcoe.appstate.edu under GIVE or to
Amorem Palliative Care at 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.