Mildred Virginia Wright Oxford, 95, of Peoria Arizona passed away Sunday, April 7, 2019. Mildred was born September 10, 1923 to loving parents, Hugh Deckard and Mable Idabell (Williams) Wright in Scott, Oklahoma. When Mildred was about fifteen, she and her family moved west to Bakersfield, California, picking cotton and fruit along the way. Mildred Attended Kern County Union High School. It was at that time she met her boy friend and eventual husband, Lawrence. Lawrence joined the Navy to fight in World War II. As a patriot, Mildred then moved to Los Angeles to work for the North American Aircraft and become a true “Rosie the Riveter”. During this time she could occasionally meet with Lawrence when he was on leave in San Francisco. Lawrence and Mildred married in Bakersfield on May 1, 1943.
After the war, Mildred and Larry again settled in Bakersfield. Three children were born to this union, Larry Edward, Saundra Lea and Jeri Lyn Oxford.
Mildred became involved in a number of social organizations over the years including the American Legion, Elks, Moose Lodge and Daughters of the American Revolution. As a family, they enjoyed camping boating, water sports and fishing. Mildred was a cafeteria manager for the Bakersfield City Schools for 20 years and a teacher’s aide for 6 more.
Throughout her life, Mildred enjoyed those around her. She loved to socialize. From steak BBQ’s to the kids’ birthday parties she was always there to enjoy the day. Everyone knows her skill at the shuffleboard table. Then there were her karaoke performances. She would practice during the week to make sure she had it right for her Saturday night audience. When you met her you were her friend unless you proved otherwise. She will be most remembered by folks who knew her as a hardworking, very nice person, who people could call their friend.
Mildred is preceded in death by her husband Lawrence Henry Oxford; parents Hugh Deckard and Mable Ida Bell (Williams) Wright; daughter Saundra Lea Bustamonte; brothers Edward Hugh Wright and Lloyd Gene Wright; and daughter-in-law Suzanne Ruth (Erro) Oxford.
Mildred is survived by son Larry Edward Oxford; daughter Jeri Lyn Oxford Lyon and son-in-law John Morgan Lyon; Seven grandchildren, Brandon Manning and wife Nikki, DeAnn Manning, John Lyon and wife Condit, Randy Fisher and wife Patty, Melissa Robson and husband Tom, Jennifer Grannis and husband Ryan, Tara Byassee and husband Gary; eighteen great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. And one special cousin, Loyd George Isman.
She will be missed.
A celebration of life with be held at a future date in Backersfield, California.
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