Mildred (Mimi) Block Levin

Mimi was born in Nashville, TN, to parents Aaron and Rose Block, and was the baby sister to Helen and Irving. Her father died when she was ten and her father’s brothers helped to support the family, continuing the family business, Block Brothers, selling hides, furs and nuts. She attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, met Jack Levin on a blind date in Atlanta and they married in 1953. Mimi and Jack moved to San Antonio, Texas, where their first daughter Janis was born. Next they settled in Greensboro and expanded their family with two more daughters, Linda and Karen. Jack and Mimi divorced after 43 years of marriage but always remained close.

Mimi returned to finish her education at UNCG with an undergraduate degree in English in 1967 and a master’s degree in library science. When Karen was a baby, Mimi planned for her future education by helping found B’nai Shalom Day School in Greensboro. Karen attended elementary school there as did three future grandchildren.

In 1983 Mimi and her daughter Janis opened a well remembered children’s bookstore, B Dolphin, in Greensboro. For 13 years it was a store full of wonderful children’s books, hosting story times and author visits. Many previous customers have fond memories of Mimi and her bookstore.

Mimi’s last legacy project was to sponsor PJ Library in Greensboro. PJ Library sends award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children from birth to age 12. These books, sent to young people all over Greensboro and beyond, all come from Mimi’s generous sponsorship.

Mimi is predeceased by her parents, Rose and Aaron Block, and her siblings, Helen Gordon, Irving Block, and her former husband Jack Levin. She is survived by her daughters and their husbands: Janis and Andy Fields, Linda and Rick Hyson, and Karen and Kevin Bauersfeld. She is also survived by grandchildren Dana Fields (Joseph Streeter), Stacy Fields, Sam Hyson, Nathan Hyson, Sophie (Jason) Little, Lindsey Ansel (Drew Marks) and two great grandchildren, Theo and Rosie Little. Mimi was a grandmother of sweetness, love, and acceptance. Her grandchildren could feel her love always. Her generosity knew no bounds. She always had a smile on her face, even when she was sleeping.

The family wishes to acknowledge the over ten years of care and love given to Mimi by her special caregiver, Darlene Shaw. Darlene cared for Mimi with love and compassion and even helped on some special trips to Cancun with Mimi and her family! The family also wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care Mimi had at Well-Spring Retirement Community.

The funeral will be 11AM Monday February 24 at Beth David Synagogue, 804 Winview Dr, Greensboro, with burial following at the Hebrew Cemetery, 2911 W.Gate City Blvd. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Bnai Shalom Day School, 804-A Winview Dr. Greensboro, NC 27410, or North Carolina for Community and Justice (NCCJ) 713 North Greene St. Greensboro, NC 27401.