Mildred Lois South

Mildred Lois South (Layne), 86, was called home to be with the Lord on June 15, 2024. She was born in Southeastern Kentucky on March 17, 1938, and was raised in modest Chattaroy, WV. She was the eldest of her 5 siblings and loved them dearly. She loved being in the mountains and watching her siblings play all sports. She was a proud 1955 graduate of Chattaroy HS, where she was also a cheerleader. Cheering on her team, and later her family, was where “Mil” excelled. A fond, although heartbreaking memory was being in the ‘55 WV State basketball tourney against Fairview HS who, led by the future father of Mary Lou Retton, Ronnie, delivered CHS a devastating loss, ending all hopes of a championship. She was a huge fan of legend Jerry West. She often giggled when he was called "The Hick from Cabin Creek" saying, "They got that right, that's my boy." Ironically, they both passed away in the same week. Later in life, Mil moved to Columbus, Ohio, and married her beloved husband, Donald. They shared their lives together for over 40 years, and produced two loving daughters, Renea and Belinda. Mildred worked for various auto dealerships throughout the years. Before retiring after 25 years from Bill Swad Chevrolet, as a billing clerk, “Millie”, as they affectionately called her, was well known and quite loved at the dealership. She was known for her charm and kindness and compassion. While always rooting for the WV Mountaineers, Mildred also became a deeply devoted Ohio State fan. She was always trying to coax her siblings to watch the Buckeyes and discuss the games. Her sports focus grew wider over the years, as each of her grandchildren played sports. Mildred rooted for them all and tried to attend every game she could. The refs were always wrong and her grandkids teams were always right in every game. After many years of living in the big city, Mildred never lost her love for the mountains. You could call her a ‘hillbilly’ and she would wear it as a badge of honor. Often revisiting her quaint mountain town, she would find rejuvenation and peace in the quietness, and revel in the wisdom shared by her mother on the front porch swing. Mildred loved traveling, especially to visit the ocean, even though she never learned to swim. She loved the casino and playing the slots, even though she never hit a jackpot. Family meant the most to Mil. Even as adults, she was always encouraging her grandkids and loved being with her great-grandkids for fun family parties. Mildred was a gentle, kind, and loving spirit, and if you were lucky enough to know her, you know this to be true. She loved to laugh, and had quite a sense of humor. Mildred is reunited in Heaven with her loving husband Donald South, parents Bernard E. Layne Sr. and Monie (Easterling) Layne, brothers Doug (Louise) Layne, and Paul Layne, granddaughter Kiara South, brothers-in-law Robert and Nate Buggs. Left to celebrate her life are daughters daughters Renea (Michael) Vasquez and Belinda South, brother Bud (Gloria) Layne, sister Kaye Layne, sisters-in-law Marie Buggs Brenda (Don) Tyler and Pamela Layne, grandsons Justin (Chaquerra), Benjamin (Kara), Matthew (Ann), Colin, and Spencer Kershaw, and Alexander South, 10 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, friends and her best friend of over 50 years, Katha Edwards. Mildred will be missed and never forgotten.

A Celebration of Life service will be held JULY 7, 2024 at 1:00PM, at SCHOEDINGER EAST Funeral Home, 5360 E LIVINGSTON AVE, COLUMBUS, OH 43232. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Go Beyond Ministries at www.gobeyondministries.org or via Cashapp with the handle $gobeyondministry.

Please share your condolences, memories, and photos with the family of Mildred.