Stella Mildred Rice Camden

The daughter of Mantford Garfield and Jessie Beach Rice, Mildred was born January 1, 1920, in Brown’s Creek, McDowell Co., W.Va.

She spent her early years growing up in coal camp towns in southern West Virginia, a true coal miners’ daughter. During World War II, Mildred went to work in munitions plants in Maryland. After the war, she came to Lynchburg looking for work, became reacquainted with and married Jack Camden. Mildred and Jack had 3 daughters and raised them in Madison Heights. Mildred, a real-life Energizer Bunny, loved her children and family, her garden, her cats and was known as “the sweetest little mommy on earth”. She loved to have a lot of vegetables and fruits to “put up” and share. Mildred especially loved little children. She was a sweet, gentle spirit with an edge of feistiness who enjoyed life and loved nothing more than cooking for and helping any of her family and neighbors.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brothers and sisters and a number of nieces and nephews. She is survived by her three daughters, Brenda Watson and husband, Tim, of Monroe, Jackie Prince and husband, Dennis, of Madison Heights and Nancy Camden of Madison Heights; three step grandchildren, Allyson Adkins, Mark Watson and Kristy Watson; four step great grandchildren, Zachary Watson, Shyann Adkins, Jenna Watson and Reese Watson, all of whom she dearly loved and enjoyed, and a great number of nieces and nephews. “Her children will rise up and call her blessed” – Prov. 31:28

The continued support and prayers of Mildred’s long time neighbors and the congregations of Bethany United Methodist, Madison Heights Baptist and Northside Baptist Churches are most appreciated by Mildred’s family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Monelison Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 56, Madison Heights, VA 24572 or the Madison Heights Baptist Church, 329 Main St., Madison Heights, VA 24572.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, August 11, 2011, at Whitten Monelison Chapel.

A private graveside service will be conducted at a later date.