Mildred Estelle Deverell

Mildred was the daughter of Claude Vernon Crook and Nora Lee Huggins-Crook. She and her beloved sister, Dorothy O. Crook- Fuller, experienced the loss of their parents at a young age. Following their parents’ deaths, the sisters were lovingly raised by their maternal grandmother, Lettie Gertrude Turnbow-Huggins, in Charleston, Tipton County, Tennessee.

As a young girl growing up on the farm, Mildred would often walk out among the planted crops and look up at the clouds, finding shapes and animals in the sky. That sense of wonder never left her. Even at 95 years old, she could still look toward the sky and point out the animals she saw in the clouds.

Mildred met her future husband. Leon Deverell, at church. She knew almost immediately that he was the man she would marry—and she even told her girlfriend so. Her instinct proved right. Mildred and Lewis shared 66 years of marriage, building a life and raising their family together.

Mildred was a strong-willed woman who knew what she wanted from life. She was determined, independent, and never one to give up easily. That strength carried her through life’s challenges and remained a defining part of who she was throughout her long life.

Mildred devoted 24 years of her working life to St. Joseph Hospital, where she was recognized as a valued employee. She cared deeply about the people entrusted to her and always put her patients first. Her dedication to caring for others was an important part of the legacy she leaves behind.

Mildred was the mother of Connie and Terry Deverell. She is survived by her daughter, Connie, and son-in-law, Perry Lambert; her grandchildren; and her great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lewis Leon Deverell, and her son, Terry Leon Deverell.

Mildred’s life was marked by love, determination, faith, and an enduring sense of wonder. From a little girl walking through the farm fields and finding animals in the clouds, to a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and caregiver, she lived a life that touched many people.

Her family will remember her strong spirit, her stories, her determination, and the love she gave so freely. And perhaps, whenever they look toward the sky and see an animal hidden among the clouds, they will think of Mildred and smile.

Her memory will live on in the generations of family who loved her and in all those whose lives she touched.

The family requests any donations in Mildred's honor be sent to your own local church or charity of your choice.