Martha James Hildreth

Martha James Dickie Hildreth passed away peacefully in Charlotte, NC, on October 28, 2026, from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmune conditions. Throughout her adult life, Martha bravely endured physical pain and limitations, impressing those around her with her resilience and independence. She was 81 years old.

Born on July 18, 1945, in Denver, CO, she was the daughter of Dr. Herbert Dickie and Joyce Kingsbury Dickie. She grew up in Wheeling, WV and attended West Virginia University (WVU), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in home economics. While in college, she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority and competed in the Miss Morgantown pageant, where she won the swimsuit and talent competitions. It was at WVU that she met her future husband and lifelong love, James Hildreth, who passed away in 2014.

Martha and Jim married in 1967 and settled in Falls Church, VA, where they welcomed their daughter Kelly Michelle in 1968, followed by Kathryn Cristen in 1969. The family later moved to Fairfax, VA, where their youngest daughter, Amy Corinne, was born in 1979. Martha was a dedicated stay-at-home mother, an excellent cook, an avid tennis player, and a proud member and former president of the Fairfax Junior Women's Club. Once all three daughters were in school, Martha worked as a reservation agent for Piedmont Airlines.

The Hildreths began a new chapter when Jim’s career took them to Omaha, NE. There, they made many friends and became lifelong Big Red fans. After Jim’s retirement, they moved to Murrells Inlet, SC, to enjoy life at the beach and also spent time in Longboat Key, FL.

Martha was affectionately known as “Mimi” to her six grandchildren: Natalie Elizabeth Carr, Megan Martha Threatt, Grace Cathryn Wholley, Erin Noelle Wholley, Blaine Patrick Wolff, and James Payton Wolff; and her three great-grandchildren: Elaina Joy Threatt, Amelia Michelle Carr, and Benjamin Alexander Threatt. She was also dearly loved and supported throughout the years by her sons-in-law Randy Malloy, Paul Wholley (deceased February 23, 2019), Marty Wolff, and Michael Stephan.

Martha is survived by her sisters, Helen and Elaine, as well as eight nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Hildreth; her parents, Dr. Herbert Dickie and Joyce Kingsbury Dickie; her stepmother Margaret Dickie; her sister, Katherine; her brother, Thomas; and her son-in-law, Paul Wholley.

The family will hold a celebration of life at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.