Nora Hilburn

Nora Kathryn Hilburn, age 94, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in Wilson, North Carolina.

A Service of Remembrance to celebrate Nora's life will be held Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Wilson Memorial Service, followed by visitation.

Born on November 11, 1931, Nora was the daughter of the late Ernest and Katherine Varnell. She was raised and grew up in Cleveland, TN, in a lively, loving household as the family's only daughter. Surrounded by her five brothers whom she loved dearly, the siblings shared a remarkably close bond and were born in chronological order from oldest to youngest: Winston, Nora, Vance, Dennis, David, and Wallace.

In 1950, Nora married the love of her life, Andrew Clarence "A.C." Hilburn, Jr., beginning a beautiful partnership that would span more than 69 years. They established Wilson Printing Company in 1959, a business that would become an important part of the Wilson community for decades. They built their company through dedication, integrity, and personal relationships.

Nora was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be remembered for her grace, warm hospitality, and unwavering devotion to her family. For decades, she stood side-by-side with her husband as they raised their family, touched the lives of neighbors, and built a beautiful legacy together in Wilson. Deeply rooted in her local neighborhood, she was a familiar, warm presence who took great joy in being actively involved with her community and cherished the lifelong friendships she built there.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Andrew Clarence "A.C." Hilburn, Jr.; her parents; brothers, Vance Varnell (and his wife, Marge Varnell), Dennis Varnell (and his wife, Judith "Judy" Varnell), and Wallace Varnell.

Her memory will be treasured by her surviving family, including her daughters, Lynn H. McGarrah (and husband, Michael) and Susan Jo Hilburn; her son, Andrew "Buddy" Hilburn III (and wife, Dale); her grandchildren, Andrew "Drew" Hilburn IV (and wife, Christy), Matthew "Matt" Hilburn, Sarah "Katie" Hensley, Charles "Sam" Hensley (and wife, Megan), and Erick Hilburn; her great-grandchildren, Ava Claire Hilburn, Alaina Hilburn, and Walter Coyt Hensley; her brothers, Winston Varnell (whose beloved wife, Ruth, preceded Nora in death), and David Varnell, (whose beloved wife, Barbara, preceded her in death).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Nora's honor to Breast Cancer Research Foundation, https://give.bcrf.org.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com