She was more than a mom/mamaw; she was our best friend, our story teller and the heart of our family. She met the love of her life, Virgil Stephens, on the bus ride home from work which led to a marriage of 73 years. They built a home of love and laughter. She was known for her sensitive, caring and protective heart. When you came to visit, you never left on an empty stomach, and when you were ready to leave, her reply was “What’s your hurry?”. She was known as the cool mamaw. She was Mom to any kid that came into her home.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Virgil Stephens, her parents Frank and Hilda Shortt, and her 10 brothers and sisters.
Survived by her children Nick Stephens, Denise Dodd, Robin (Robert Williams) Wilson; her grandkids Lori Dodd, Stacy (Dustin) Karas, Paula (Chad) Uren, and Leslie (Mike) McDade; her great-grandkids Alexis and Hayden McDade, Brittany Higdon, Grayson Bailey, and Gabby Morrison; several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 4pm - 8pm on Tuesday, September 2 and from 1pm - 2:30pm on Wednesday, September 3 at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Services for Mildred will follow at 2:30pm on Wednesday at the North Chapel with pastor Don Kelley officiating. Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Mildred’s name to Hospice of Chattanooga – Dayton, 7693 Rhea County Highway, suite 4, Dayton, TN 37321.
The family would like to thank the staff and nurses with Hospice of Chattanooga – Dayton for the love and support given to Mildred, especially Becky and Terri.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
The arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343