Janet Hildebran Mull

Janet Hildebran Mull, 85, of George Hildebran, NC, passed away on June 13, 2025, after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. She had a sweet, gentle soul and a fearless heart. She was determined not to leave her family, and she fought relentlessly until the end.

Born May 31, 1940, to the late John James and Desolia Jane Hildebran, she was the next youngest of five children. Janet and her siblings were raised on a farm, where she learned the meaning of hard work. She and her husband, Billy Joe Mull, who preceded her in death, always provided for their family, putting their daughters first. As a family, they shared many trips to the beach, outings to NC mountains, and Saturday night suppers at the local fish camp. Janet always said she “couldn’t cook,” yet she made the most amazing Sunday after-church meals, which brought everyone to the table. She was a lifelong member of Burkes Chapel United Methodist Church, and her faith was an integral part of her life.

Janet graduated from George Hildebran High School in 1958, where she was a standout basketball player. She loved the game and continued playing long after high school, later teaching her daughters how to play, too. She went on to work at Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co. for over 40 years as a Data Processing Manager. She enjoyed her job immensely, but mostly she loved the friends she made there, a few of whom (Vickie, Diane, and Peggy) were lifelong friends who became more like family.

In her spare time, Janet enjoyed photography, working with her flowers, her animals (especially her “little girl” Buffy), reading, and spending time with her family. She often said her two granddaughters, Emily and Olivia, were “the light of her life.”

In addition to her parents and husband, Janet was preceded in death by her sisters, Lorene Martin and Lela Mae Abernathy, and her brother, Wade Hildebran.

She is survived by her family, daughter Cheri Mull Greene and husband Chris Greene of Sunset Beach, NC; daughter Angie Mull of Morganton, NC; granddaughter Olivia Greene of Boston, MA; granddaughter Emily Greene of Edinburgh, Scotland, and brother, Harold Hildebran, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Service with Pastor Thurman Roe officiating. A private graveside service will be held late at Burke Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Stephen Smith officiating.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to Amorem Hospice at www.amoremsupport.com

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.