She attended Teague School, graduated from Central Union High School in 1939 and enrolled in Fresno Technical Junior College. She married Ralph Dunlavy in October 1942 but he pre-deceased her in 1958 after just 16 years of marriage. Mildred enrolled in Accounting night classes to prepare her for positions in the future. She worked as a Bookkeeper at Sunshine Biscuit Co, Fuller Paint Co, Stephenson-Bradford Music Co, Heart Specialists and as Office Manager and Bookkeeper for Obstetrician-Gynecology physicians.
Mildred attended Peoples Church and Northwest Church, mentoring and discipling many women in Timothy Program Bible studies and life skills to grow deeper in faith and commitment to God and family.
She is survived by her three daughters, Carolyn Dunlavy of Orange County CA, Kathryn McElroy of Charlotte, North Carolina and Barbara Draughon of Fresno CA; sons-in-law Pender McElroy and Lyn Draughon; grandchildren Joshua Draughon, Rebecca Draughon, Ted McElroy and Chuck McElroy; three great-grandchildren Collier, Mary Watts and Wesley McElroy. Mildred's unconditional love will truly be missed.
Mildred passed into the everlasting presence of her LORD and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at the age of 101. Burial will be in Belmont Memorial Park, Fresno, CA next to her beloved Ralph.
Mildred will be laid to rest in Belmont Memorial Park, 201 N Teilman Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.
Serving as pallbearers are Lyn Draughon, Pender McElroy, Josh Draughon, Ted McElroy, Chuck McElroy and Dennis Dunlavy.
Special thank and much gratitude to Dr. Daniel Borgstadt and Staff, and Dr. Lu and Staff for excellent care through our mother's extended life. We also would like to thank Compassionate Care Hospice and Staff for their many visits, efforts and very tender care in our mother's latter days. You are all amazing people with beautiful caring hearts. God bless you all.
