Mildred Barnett Taber

Columbia lost a wild, wacky and wonderful woman on February 4, 2021, Mildred Barnett Taber. She was a very active member of First Presbyterian church for almost a half century – mentoring countless women, hugging everyone she could reach and encouraging everyone with her smile, laughter and notes to countless people. She took on dozens of projects at the church. Some projects she spear-headed like turning over a collection of books into a real library. Many others involved finding willing volunteers. Grown men were known to tremble when she called them on the phone knowing they were going to wind up saying “Yes” to her. God was central to her life, prayer strengthened it, and joy for sharing who and what she knew about Christ gave her life direction and meaning. Hers was not a somber faith, but it sure was contagious. When she was able to attend worship, children and adults lined up to say hello and give her a hug. She was a saint but one who liked a good laugh. When a man in his twenties and her oldest son were teasing with her in the kitchen, it really wasn’t too much of a shock when they found their coffee had been liberally spiked with salt. On the other hand, the stranger at the food court was completely surprised when she leaned over and helped herself to a French fry off his plate while saying, “I know you won’t mind sharing.”

Her knowledge of and ability to apply Biblical knowledge guided her life. Even when dementia rendered talking all but impossible she would quote passages from the Psalms, and when she prayed in those last months, her words were clear and coherent.

Mildred was born in Filer, Idaho on January 8, 1927 to R. Ethridge Barnett and Lillian Jamison Barnett. Her only surviving sibling, Willene McMinn, lives in Anderson, SC. Her other siblings (Catherine Hurly, Elaine Ragsdale, and Wayne Barnett) predeceased her. She moved to Pelzer, SC as an early elementary school child. Although her mobility was limited and she needed the assistance of crutches to walk she never slowed down or let them interfere with her life. She was active in church, edited articles for newspapers, and attended Lander College from 1944 – 1948. She worked as a secretary for LaFrance and later MUSC.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Dr. Joe Taber, Jr., their sons – Bill and Rhett Taber, five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2021 in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion St., Columbia SC 29201. The service will be mask only and social distancing will be practiced. Memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church or The Cooperative Ministry at 3821 West Beltline Blvd, SC 29204.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com