Mildred Lyell James Talton, 96,died peacefully February 20, 2016. She was born in Newport News, Virginia on April 3, 1919 to the late Basil Gordon James and Grace Lyell Dickenson. A graduate of Westhampton College University of Richmond Virginia, where she received a BA degree in education. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the National Honor Society. After her marriage to Gordon Tyler Talton she lived her entire life in Orlando. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years and a daughter Nancy Lynne.
The most important thing that could be said about Milred is her love for her family and the way she supported and encouraged her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She enjoyed a special interest in geneology and placed a high value and much energy on maintaining family circles. A devoted woman of strong faith, she was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Orlando from 1946 until she became a charter member of Downtown Baptist Church. Mildred generously gave of herself in the service to others as a WMU leader active in mission, a 5th grade Sunday school teacher for over 50 years, a church trustee and a weekly teller among many other duties. All through her life, she loved history and used it through her work as historian for First Baptist Church and Downtown Baptist Church as well as Greater Orlando Baptist Association.
She is survived by three daughters: Cathy (Thomas A.) Strafford of Jonesboro, AR, Jamie (David W.) Swink of Deland, FL, and Bettye (Ernest C.) Vernon of Peachtree City, GA, and two sons: Ty (Sandra) of Winston Salem, NC, and David (Patty Ann) of Orlando, Nine grandchildren: Calista Stafford, Scott (Kacey) Strafford, Betsy (Jon) Rose, Margret (Rob) Saliba, Tyler (Jenn) Talton, Emily Talton, Megan Talton, Jordyn (Aled) Pritchard, Brittany Vernon; Nine great grandchildren: Sophia & Joshia Rose, Bridget Saliba, Hazel & Amos Strafford, Graham Talton, Lachlan, Penelope & Blair Pritchard, and sister,Marjorie Naxter of Newport News, VA. A Graveside service of celebration will be held on February 22, 2016 at 11:00 am Woodlawn Cemetery, Gotha, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to a place of your choice. If you are unable to attend the service, spend some time with those you love.
Arrangements under the direction of Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Orlando, FL.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18