Philippians 1:3 "I thank God in all my remembrance of you."
Audrey Mims peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus on the morning of July 26, 2023, in her home, as she slept. She led a meaningful and purposeful life of 87 years. Audrey, was born October 4, 1935, in Longmont, CO. She was the first and only child of the late Paul and Eva (Fenton) Masdon. Audrey and her father, Paul, moved to Caruthersville, MO after the death of her mother, Eva, when Audrey was just 2 years old. Eventually the two made Conroe, TX their home. She was a devoted Catholic and member of Sacred Heart Catholic in Conroe since moving there in the 1940’s. Growing up without her mother had its challenges. As her father was busy maintaining his pharmacy business he acquired a nanny to help care for his young daughter. The nanny gave her the nickname, “Mickey”, which she went by her entire life. In her adolescent years she spent many summers with her five cousins in Virginia. She loved and enjoyed her time with family; especially since she did not have siblings of her own. This is when the desire to have a large family began to grow in her heart. She wanted her own children to have what she didn’t get to experience as a child. She knew from a young age that she wanted many children and a home full of love and togetherness. Not long after entering high school at Conroe High, she met her forever love, Billy Earl Mims. They were married young and blessed each other with eight wonderful children; four girls and four boys. They raised their eight children in a small home on Silverdale Drive. Although their home was small, it was full of love and laughter- and also the usual squabbling amongst siblings. Through the years Mickey and Billy Earl taught and instilled in their children important life lessons; be respectful, forgiving, resourceful, generous and obedient and always have a happy and giving heart. Most importantly, she taught her kids to share in all things and to always be thankful for their family, belongings and blessings.
With a house full of kids to raise and care for she had to be very organized. There was a list for everything! Her freezer and pantry rivaled the local grocery store. Her meals were always balanced and nutritious. She was a self-taught and very confident cook. Her special meals on holidays were spectacular; as were her cakes and pies. She took great pride in making birthday cakes for her children through the years. She kept a yearly garden and preserved vegetables for the year ahead. As her children grew up and began families of their own the holiday meals grew very large! Now with the help of her four girls and her daughters in law, she would prepare meals for an army it seemed. Her holiday meals were delicious but more importantly she made everyone feel welcomed. Everyone left with a full heart and a full stomach and likely a to-go plate! When she wasn’t busy in the kitchen she enjoyed many hobbies, which included playing bridge with friends, all card games, puzzles, movies, and making costumes for plays and Halloween.
As her children grew older and one by one went their own way, she was blessed again with new family members. She welcomed her new sons and daughters-in-law as her own. As grandchildren were born she grew into her most beloved role, “Sugar”, as they fondly called her. Sugar was always helping and attending special occasions that revolved around her grandchildren. She would lovingly knit baby blankets for each new birth and made sure to buy their first pair of high top walking shoes; had to be Stride Rite. As the grandchildren got older, what adventures they would have with their beloved Sugar. They would travel with her to see relatives in other states; often driving 12 hours or more! She took them to amusement parks, the beach, to float the river and water parks. She made sure to ride the tallest water slide she could find. She was fun and fearless; always encouraged them to try new things and to believe in themselves. As her family continued to grow she welcomed many great grandchildren and even a great-great grandchild last year. Her grandchildren were precious to her; each loved and special in their own unique way. Her grandchildren would often joke that Sugar must have a calendar to keep track of phone calls she’d made to each of them and when they’d last talked. She made sure to keep up with their busy lives and growing families.
Mickey Mims retired from Conroe ISD. She worked in the food and nutrition department for many years. After retirement she enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, her various hobbies, and attending Bible Study Fellowship. She cherished her 20 plus years as a BSF participant.
Her love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was evident in the way she chose to live her life. She was a constant example of grace in all situations. Her heart loved freely and forgave others even when it wasn’t asked of her. She encouraged others to do the same. She always had wise words of wisdom to those who confided in her and sought her advice. She looked for ways to help others, often doing things for those less fortunate. Her presence brought comfort during sad times and joy during happy times. She spoke with tact and kindness. She took a genuine interest in others, always looking outside of herself. She was grateful for all the little and big things in life. Her presence will be sorely missed but her legacy of grace will live on in the lives of those who loved her so dearly.
A celebration of life service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 11, 2023, at Mims Baptist Church in Conroe, Texas. The family will host a gathering of loved ones and friends at the conclusion of the service at the Mims Baptist Church fellowship center.
Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
I Corinthians 13:” And now these three remain faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Mickey is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Earl Mims; her son, Craig Mims; her parents, Paul and Eva Masdon; her father and mother in-law, Ira Blum and Autrey Mims; her grandson, Reagan Smith and sisters-in-law, Virginia Mims and Elsie Parrish.
She is survived by daughters, Theresa Smith and husband Gene; Leah Lutonsky and husband Jim; Annette Rushmore; and Colette Franklin and husband Larry. Sons, Doug Mims and wife Carlene; George Mims; and Brandon Mims and wife Crystal. She is also survived by nieces, Janet Averitt and husband Denny; Judy Kiefe and husband John; nephews, Stanley Mims and wife Shay; Mike Mims and wife Cindy; along with childhood cousins Paula Harris of Snellville, GA. and Michael Sneed of Reston, VA. Also close to her heart were her grandchildren who lovingly called her Sugar. Granddaughters, Gentry Diersing and husband Dean; Jessica Rich and husband Kelley; Jennifer West; Leslie Hughes and husband Matt; Adriene Shafer and husband Garrett; Ava Mims; Becca Mims and fiancé John; and Haleigh Mims. Grandsons, Austin Smith and wife Mandy; Randall Smith; Brent Fiori and wife Kelly; Barrett Mims and wife Candace; Dwayne Stanley and wife Dina; Billy Stanley and wife Monica; Dr. James Lutonsky and wife Ashley; George Lutonsky and wife Virginia; Vincent Mims and wife Laura; Justin Rushmore and wife Christy; Travis Franklin and wife Candace; Marshall Mims and wife Morgan; Mitchell Mims; and finally 41 great grandchildren plus one on the way and 1 great-great grandchild.
What is a Mother? When you come into this world, a relationship is formed like no other. A mother and child have an eternal bond. No one ever loves you like your mother. She is your biggest fan and supporter. She loves with all her heart and with abundant pride. A mother will rearrange her whole life for yours! This describes our Mother and Sugar.
A special thank you to Mims Baptist Church, Pastor Chuck Fugee, Rev. Philip Wilhite of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, staff of the Infusion Clinic of Conroe, In His Care Senior Services, Meals on Wheels, Cynthia Ratcliff, daily caregivers - Patricia, Edna, and Nina. Also, Vulcan Materials Co., Metcalf Funeral Directors, The Blossom Shop, Kuntry Katfish Catering, Sarah & Robert Gwin and Kim & Todd Bartholet.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Mickey’s name to one of the following:
Mims Baptist Church at mimsbaptist.org
Bible Study Fellowship by mail at 19001 Huebner Rd. San Antonio, TX 78258
Sacred Heart Catholic Church at shconroe.org
Standuptocancer.org
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, Aug 11, 2023 in the Mims Baptist Church, 1609 Porter Rd, Conroe, Tx.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.metcalffuneraldirectors.com for the Mims family.
