Catherine Irene Mullins

Mrs. Catherine Irene Mullins, 94, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed from her earthly home to reunite with her beloved husband, Raiford F. Mullins, her parents, and siblings in the light and love of her eternal home in heaven on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Mrs. Mullins was a resident at Sunrise in Cary, North Carolina, for the past four years. Prior to that, she lived an active and vibrant life as a member of the Raleigh community for over 40 years, in her home on Woodbury Drive, which she shared with Raiford. Together, they raised their children, doted on their grandchildren and their love of family and community continues to inspire all who knew them.

Mrs. Mullins was an active member of Crabtree Valley Baptist Church, where she actively participated in Sunday school classes and outreach programs that served the most vulnerable in her community. Mrs. Mullins held the position of Membership Chair for the Raleigh Bridge Club and earned the title of Life Master. As a caring and active member of the Birchwood Hills Community, Mrs. Mullins was beloved by her neighbors and appreciated for her extraordinary zucchini bread loaves.

She valued love, self-reliance, hard work, her family, and above all she was devoted to living a life that reflected her deep faith in God and encouraged others to do the same. As a proud military spouse, she supported her husband and children with their relocation to multiple states and Germany during his time in service to our country. As the family matriarch, Catherine Mullins always celebrated and opened her home to the family for holidays, birthdays, milestones, and school events. Her homemade yeast rolls were legendary, her smile could light up any room, and her laughter and sense of humor always made anyone within earshot laugh too. She wrote and mailed countless birthday, holiday, congratulations, and sympathy cards to family and friends. She had a beautiful singing voice, often singing hymns under her breath while working in the house. She shared her love of music with Raiford, and together they passed that love of music on to their children and grandchildren. As we grieve and feel great sadness over her loss, we find comfort in God's promise that she is reunited with her loved ones and now lives with Him in heaven.

Mrs. Mullins was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Emma Lance, her sister, Lou Erwin, her brother, Henry Lance, and her husband of 45 years, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, Raiford F. Mullins.

Mrs. Mullins is survived by her children: Evelyn Mullins Foust and husband, Lonnie House, Dwayne Allen Mullins and wife, Susan, Elton Lee Mullins and wife, Mary, her grandchildren: Michael Ryan Foust, Allen Ray Mullins and wife, Johana, Katie Mullins Hatley and husband, Jeremy, Lillian Rose House (Caleb Atkins), and Alexa Raye House, two great-granddaughters: Olivia Rai Mullins and Mia Nell Mullins, her step-great grandson: Santiago Abad Mullins, and her sisters; Delores Schwartz and Dorothy Zinkan. Mrs. Mullins also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

The service to honor the life of Catherine Irene Mullins will be held at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, at 1:00 pm, located at 831 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604. The family of Mrs. Catherine Mullins will receive friends at 12:15 pm at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service, and then the burial service at the Historic Oakwood Cemetery, Field of Honor I, located at 701 Oakwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Flowers may be sent to Bryan-Lee Funeral Home or in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following charities:

Transitions LifeCare located at 200 Hospice Cir, Raleigh, NC 27607, (919)-828-0890. Transitions LifeCare is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing dignified end-of-life care to every eligible patient, regardless of their ability to pay, and offers guidance and support to loved ones during the experience. We thank Transitions LifeCare for their tireless support, guidance, and humanity in taking care of our sweet mother and grandmother and supporting our family. Donation link: https://www.transitionslifecare.org/donate/
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The Judith Mullins Freels Scholardship Fund at Carson-Newman University, located at 1646 Russell Avenue, Jefferson City, TN 37760. Please ensure to write in the memo line of your check, "In Memory of Catherine Mullins."

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." - Romans 12:10

Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com