Mildred Register

“Mildred” was born December 1st, 1930 in Douglas, GA, the youngest of twelve siblings born to parents Mary Frances and William Henry Rowell. In the late 1940’s the family moved to Florida.

As a child Mildred worked on the family farm; after moving to Jacksonville, she worked at the King Edward Cigar Factory, followed by a variety of food establishments in food prep and as a server.

After having six children, she became a stay at home Mom. To help out financially, she babysat as well as took in laundry. After her oldest, Irvin was able to look after the younger siblings, she went back to work. At the young age of 65, her kids asked her to retire. She did so, and moved in with her son, Irvin. Ten years ago, due to health reasons, she moved in with her daughter, Mary and husband Kenny where she lived until her passing.

She loved watching old Westerns on TV and playing Computer games. She enjoyed playing scratch off tickets. Every evening after dinner, she and her dear friend, Ruby would sit like little kids waiting for Mary and Kenny to clean up so they could get started with their Farkle or card game.

Mildred had numerous health issues in the last year, including COVID 19 at age 90. She was a fighter – She loved her family and wouldn’t let go. In the last two weeks of her life, she was tended to by Mary and Kenny, along with Irwin and Lorraine and Kenny’s sisters Sherry and Pam. They took turns sitting with her, making sure she got her medicine on time and was comfortable. Mildred was able to meet her newest great granddaughter while under hospice care.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Frances and William Henry Rowell; her son Frank O’Neal and daughter Ruth Allmon; son-in-law Bobby Kline, 10 sisters and one brother. Her card playing partner, Ruby also predeceased Mildred.

She is survived by sons Irvin Barnard (Lorraine) and Jr Barnard (Wendy);

Daughters Mary Cason (Kenny) and Linda Kline. Fourteen grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren will cherish her memory.

Mildred was a loving Mother, but had a very specific “Don’t Run” rule. When we children were young we learned early on that if she got your name right the first time – you were in deep trouble! Don’t run from her when she was going to punish you, because when she caught you – and she would – she would spank you longer! Jr was her only child to test the “don’t run” rule.

A visitation for Mildred will be held Wednesday, August 24, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205, followed by a funeral service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Register family.