Cheryl Johnson Hilderbrand

Cheryl was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Tony Hilderbrand; her son, Marty Hilderbrand; and her parents, Polk and Lois Johnson.

She is survived by her daughter, Nicki Stamey of Sherrills Ford, NC; her grandchildren, Sage Stamey, Ryder Hilderbrand and fiancé Paris, and Brett Stamey and wife Candace, along with their children; and her great-grandchildren, Lizi, Easton, and Zemi. She is also survived by her sisters, Linda Poyner and husband Thomas of Sevierville, TN, and Kay Wright and husband Jim of Palm Bay, FL; her brother, Johnny Johnson and wife Sandy of Jacksonville, FL; and Sister-In-Law Becky Hilderbrand of Elizabeth City, NC.

Cheryl was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was known for her strength, compassion, and deep commitment to the people in her life.

Cheryl began her career as a teacher’s assistant before pursuing a new path in law enforcement at the age of 36. After completing Basic Law Enforcement Training in 1990, she worked with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office and later joined the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, where she served as a detective.

In her work as a detective, Cheryl worked in one of the most troubling areas in law enforcement - dealing with physical and sexual abuse involving children. She was recognized for her gentle demeanor in dealing with children, and even adult victims of abuse. She helped many of them come out of the experience with more confidence. She had an ability to connect with people in difficult circumstances and for the steady, compassionate approach she brought to her work.

After many years of service, Cheryl retired from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. Even in retirement, she remained the kind of person who was always willing to offer her time and support to those around her.

Cheryl’s life was defined not only by her career and family roles, but by the way she cared for others in every season of her life. Her family and friends find comfort in knowing she has been reunited in Heaven with those she loved and missed.

Her memory lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and all who knew her.

Cheryl will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center to help others continue her passion of being a voice for those whose voice has been silenced.