Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin; her infant son, Gerald; and her daughter, Kay Frisbee.
She is survived by her loving children: daughter Carolyn Cape (Brian), son Richard Dean Sawyer (Tina), and son Gene Bates (Denise). She is also survived by seven grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren, who will continue to cherish her memory.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054. The funeral service will follow at the same location from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Mildred will be remembered for her love of family and the many lives she touched throughout her 91 years.
A committal service will take place immediately after the funeral service, from 2:45 pm to 3:00 pm, at Gaston Memorial Park, also located at 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054.
