Mildred Joiner

Mildred Lucille Dutton Joiner passed away quietly at the age of 96 in her home, surrounded by loving friends and family members. Born in Knox County, Texas, to John and Alice Dutton, she began her lifelong love of music and the arts. After high school, Mildred was already a well trained pianist, and attended Hardin Simmons University, graduating with a degree in music. Mildred and her husband subsequently endowed a scholarship for music at Hardin Simmons in the name of her parents.

Initially she taught in various schools in west Texas before traveling to Chicago to study at the Chicago School of Music. Upon returning to Texas she met her future husband, J.B. Joiner. They were married in June of 1943, and remained devoted partners until J. B.’s death in 2010. Over the 67 years of marriage, Mildred was very active in the Eastern Star, Lubbock Music Club, and the First Baptist Church children’s department. It is impossible to calculate how many young people she introduced to music over her long life.

A fierce defender of her family, Mildred had two sons, Joseph Dutton Joiner and John Stephen Joiner. Preceded in death by her husband, J. B., and son, Joseph, she is survived by her sister, Margaret Lively of Austin, son, Steve and wife Beulah of Dallas, grandson, Scott and wife, Laura of San Francisco, and granddaughter Casey, a senior at Texas Tech, who like her grandmother, is continuing in the love and study of music.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 pm, Monday, March 12, 2012 at First Baptist Church Ford Chapel with Rev. John Ballard officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. A visitation will be held from 2 to 3 pm, Sunday March 11, 2012 at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfunerlhome.com