Rachel Ann Minton

Rachel Ann Whisnant Minton, age 78, of Hudson, went to be with Jesus, Saturday morning, January 3, 2026, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Born November 1, 1947, in Caldwell County, she was the daughter of the late Arvlee and Marie Pipes Whisnant.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Larry Minton and 5 brothers, Michael, Jimmy, Bobby, Jerry and Anford Whisnant and one nephew, John Ray Hicks. Rachel is survived by 4 children, son Larry Michael Minton and wife, Robin, of Granite Falls, daughter Judy Hefner and husband, Doug, of Hildebran, daughter Kathy Lingerfelt and husband, Scott, of Hickory, and daughter Lisa Prestwood and husband, Jason, of Lenoir; sisters Joyce Cash and husband, Chris, of Rhodhiss and Kay Gosnell of Lenoir; 7 grandchildren Katie Minton, Nathan Minton, Brittney Prestwood, Branden Prestwood, Avrey Lingerfelt, Douglas Hefner, Joseph Hefner and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rachel attended First Baptist Church of Whitnel. She retired from Huffman Hosiery after 50 years of dedicated service. She married the love of her life, Earl Minton, sharing 47 wonderful years of marriage. She was a devoted wife and mother who worked hard and sacrificed for her family. Her children and grandchildren were her focus and spending time with them gave her great happiness. She was known for her kindness, humility and respect for others. She enjoyed trips to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, cooking and baking her family’s favorite foods, and watching her grandchildren grow. She always strived to do the little things that pleased and helped those around her. Her greatest title was “Maw-Maw”. Above all, she loved Jesus and believed in the power of prayer.

The Minton Family will receive friends at 2:00 PM Thursday, January 8, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Whitnel in Lenoir with the funeral service following at 3:00 pm with Rev. Stuart White and Rev. James Lee are officiating. Burial will follow at Center Grove Baptist Church in Hudson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Whitnel Children’s Program.

Online condolences may be sent to the Minton Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com.

Evans Funeral Service & Crematory of Lenoir is serving the Minton Family.