Sarah Mildred (Hopkins) Myrick

Sarah Mildred Hopkins Myrick passed away on January 19, 2025 , at her daughter’s home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, after a courageous struggle with dementia and heart disease. Born in Winston County, Mississippi, on July 8, 1934, she was a long-term resident of Pearl, having lived there for over 40 years, and she had also lived in Picayune from 1966-1977. She married Cleveland Myrick from Petal, Mississippi, in April 28, 1955, and she is survived by their three children – daughter Pamela Myrick Mottley (Thomas Richardson) of Hattiesburg, sons Joe Myrick (Melinda), and Tommy Myrick, both of Pearl; two grandchildren Erin and Oren Myrick, both of Pearl, and great grandchild Gabe of Pearl. She was preceded in death by her younger sister Maureen McIntosh. She was “Aunt Mildred” to a number of nieces and nephews and others in her larger family. She and Cleve kept close ties to the family land in Choctaw County. She valued friendships and family connections, and she enjoyed visits and relationships with neighbors and friends.

During her years in Picayune, she trained as a registered nurse. Her great passion for nursing led her into many diverse settings, and she enjoyed sharing stories of her nursing experiences and medical career in clinics, hospitals and home health to family and friends. Like her husband Cleve, she loved stories, humor, and good conversation, and it was clear that her nursing career was an important part of her life and made her who she was. Sarah was known for having a commanding presence, and she could step into challenging circumstances with courage and tenacity. Her strong faith and belief in prayer enabled her to be resilient and helpful to others in times of need.

In addition, she combined her interests in nursing with her responsibilities as wife and mother. She managed a busy household including a large garden, parental responsibilities and domestic life. Pam and her friends especially remember Sarah’s gifts as a seamstress – her talent and hard work resulting in clothes of professional quality produced just in time for the bus or the ride to school.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, and visitation will be on Monday, January 27, from 11-12 at Baldwin-Lee. Services will be also at Baldwin-Lee at 12:00, with burial to follow at Floral Hills Cemetery in Pearl.

Sarah and her family were fortunate to receive care from the exemplary and compassionate nurses and certified nurse assistants from Forrest General Home Care and Hospice. Bessie Sledge, Marquita Jackson, Jamila Holloway, and Malia Taylor not only delivered excellent medical care for Sarah but also provided the entire family with supportive, joyful, and loving nurture. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Forrest General Healthcare Foundation in support of Forrest General Homecare and Hospice Services. Website is https://www.fghfoundation.com. Mailing address is PO Box 1910, Hattiesburg, MS 39404-9010.