Mildred Palmer Green

Our beloved mother, sister, grandmother and friend, Mildred Palmer Green, went to her Heavenly Father on May 11, 2013. She was born in Capitan, New Mexico, on August 28, 1923, to William J. Palmer and Grace Brooks Palmer. She grew up in the Tennyson/Bronte area and was valedictorian of her class in 1940. Mildred married M. Dale Green on October 17, 1942. Early in their marriage while Dale was in training at Randolph Army Airfield during World War II, Mildred worked at Kerr’s Mexican Curios on the San Antonio River Walk. As they began their family, Mildred was an excellent homemaker, caring for her four children, attending school functions, making costumes for events, dresses for dances and even weddings.

Mildred enjoyed many hobbies and interests during her lifetime. She loved to sew for her family, and she parlayed her talent into a business with Dale making sails for Starfish sailboats which were manufactured in San Angelo. As a young woman, Mildred attended San Angelo College for two years. She fulfilled her desire to go back and complete a 4 year degree many years later in 1978, majoring in art at Angelo State University. Mildred was an active member of the American Association of University Women and an avid reader and member of the “Readers P.S.” book club where she made many lasting friendships. During the 1980’s Mildred and Dale worked together to run the Goodfellow Post Office substation. She also enjoyed painting, gardening, playing bridge, and sailing with Dale and the rest of the Concho Yacht Club when North Concho (now O. C. Fisher) was a beautiful lake.

Mildred was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of San Angelo where she taught Sunday School to second graders for over 50 years. She had many friends who were co-workers in the department including her very dear friend, Mrs. Jo Clarke. She and Jo worked together for over 25 years. They diligently made home visits to the children in their Sunday School class leading many to know Christ. Upon retirement, Mildred and Dale enjoyed extensive traveling and taking care of the grandchildren.

Being a child of the Depression Era, her ability to raise and care for her family on a tight budget was unmatched. She also had a dry wit that often caught her children off guard, to their delight. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Mildred will always be remembered for her steadfast Christian faith, gentle spirit, beautiful smile, and the firm belief in education for herself, her children, and grandchildren.

Survivors include: Larry Green and wife, Gaylin Norris; Sherri Green Rainey; Kendall Green, Martha Green Register and husband, Mel, grandchildren: Jonathan Norris-Green, Andrew Norris-Green, Robert Rainey and wife Tara, Rebecca Rainey Tate and husband Justin, Michael Green, Erin Green, William Register, and Emily Register. Mildred is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Jack Rainey, Ava Rainey and Jenna Tate. She has two surviving sisters, Gladys Heideman and Lenora Keel and many nieces and nephews. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Vernon Palmer, husband, M. Dale Green, and son-in-law, Robert Rust Rainey. The family would like to thank the staff at Meadow Creek and Odyssey Hospice for their care and compassion. A memorial service to celebrate Mildred’s life will be held at the First Baptist Church on Monday, May 20th at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Ron Laughlin officiating. Arrangements are by Johnson’s Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers are her grandsons. The family requests that memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Youth Ministry, Odyssey Hospice, Meals for the Elderly, or a charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.