Mildred Virginia Crawford Southworth Humphries was born on February 28, 1923. She passed away on Thursday, March 14, at age 96.
Born in Oriskany, Virginia, to George and Leona Crawford, she died just before dawn, peacefully, with her children by her side. Mildred is predeceased by her parents, eight siblings, husband Vince and son Chip.
Mildred is survived by her sister, Thelma Holdren; daughter, Trena Boudreaux; grandsons J. Demas, and Ethan; son, Spencer Southworth and wife Amy; grandsons, Benjamin and Andrew; daughter Karen Payne and granddaughters Kelly, Megan, and Christi; special daughters Gwen Bostic and Lori Gardner, and great-granddaughter Bethany Hickman.
Known as Mildred, Millie, South, Mildew, Mom and Grandma to many, she was an avid sports fan, famous for having a technical called on her at her son’s basketball game for harassing the referee. She was talented at creating quilts, crocheting afghans and cooking Sunday dinner for her family. Her house was always open to all, which earned her many adopted children over the years. All who knew her will remember her love of beautiful flowers.
She overcame adversity to raise three children on her own, working multiple jobs to provide for her family. She retired after a long career at Craig-Botetourt Electric Co-Op.
At the 1993 homecoming service for King Memorial Church, Oriskany – the church her father helped build and in which she and her siblings were raised – Mildred reconnected with her elementary school sweetheart, Vincent Humphries, whom she would marry less than a year later. They enjoyed 18 years of happiness, adding numerous family members to hers from Vince’s in Michigan.
She also leaves behind a beloved church family at New Castle United Methodist Church, and was a lifetime member of the UMW. Visitation was held on Saturday, March 16, from 4 to 6:00 p.m. at Paitsel Funeral Home in New Castle. Funeral service was Sunday, March 17, at 3:30 p.m. at New Castle United Methodist Church. Flowers were gladly accepted. Mildred requested donations to New Castle UMC in her memory. “Her children arise up, and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:28 Arrangements were by Paitsel Funeral Home. www.paitselfh.com.
