Mildred Hixson

Throughout her long and fruitful life, Mildred Hixson spread her warmth to all those within her reach. She possessed an unwavering faith that guided her every thought, word, and deed, and it was this same faith that put the joy in her heart. Millie’s children would say that as mothers go they got the very best as her devotion to them was unmatched. She truly loved being a mother, but just may have argued that being a grandmother was a mother’s greatest reward. The legacy Millie leaves behind is rooted in grace, compassion, and unending sacrifice, and it will be proudly carried on by the generations who follow her.

When reflecting on our nation’s history, the decade that became known as the Roaring Twenties brought us some of the most vibrant changes that forever transformed the cultural fabric of life as we knew it. Air travel took us to new heights thanks to the adventurous spirits of Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart while motion pictures became available in both color and sound. Amidst this colorful time there was much for one young couple from Whitwell, Tennessee, to be thankful for when they welcomed a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on October 28, 1928. Mildred Elizabeth was the second of twelve children born to her parents, Charlie and Nancy (Holloway) Roberson. Her father worked as a painter while her mother worked at a local Walgreens.

In many ways Mildred experienced a childhood that was rather typical for the youth of her generation. When she was still a young girl she moved with her family to Kalamazoo, Michigan. Mildred attended local schools both in Tennessee and in Kalamazoo, but she left at the end of her eighth grade year. These were the days of the Great Depression and since families did whatever they could to make ends meet, young people were often more valuable in the workplace than they were in school.

Life took Millie on a new path when she met the young man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was James Hixson and they met at a local dance. After dating for a time, the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Millie and James were united in marriage on June 7, 1946. Together they were blessed with five children including Dan, George, Diane, Teresa, and Kenny. From the moment her first child arrived Millie fully embraced everything that being a mother entails. Millie was in her element in her kitchen as both her cooking and baking skills were unmatched. As her friends and family can attest, her sugar cookies were the best, and when sharing her cookies with her friends and loved ones one dozen just wouldn’t do so everyone always got two! When it came to her savory dishes, everything Millie made was always top notch, too.

Although her commitment to her family was first and foremost in her life, Millie also busied herself with so many other things that meant the world to her. She worked at Upjohn for 15 years and considered it a privilege to do so. Millie attended Bethlehem Baptist Church and was accompanied by her steadfast faith throughout her entire life’s journey. During her younger years she liked rollerskating and dancing, and when it came to her musical interests she was country all the way. Mildred collected Hummel figurines, and she rarely could turn down a great plate of spaghetti.

With a desire to see the beauty in the world around them, Mildred and James purchased a fifth wheel trailer. Together they saw much of the country and out of everywhere they had been, Mildred loved her home state of Tennessee the most. Since they had the trailer, they only ended up going on a plane on one occasion.

There was no greater joy in Mildred’s life than her family. When grandchildren came along she couldn’t have been happier, and she took care of her them during their younger years, which allowed their parents to work. Christmas was always Millie’s favorite time of the year not only for the beauty of the season, but also because it was a time that her whole family was able to gather together.

Daily life was not always easy for Millie, but she weathered the storms of the hard times as best she could. For more than 20 years she was faced with the ongoing struggles of dementia, but her love for her family always remained intact.

A kindhearted and compassionate woman, Mildred Hixson was a gift in the lives of those around her. She was passionately devoted to her family and considered it a privilege to nurture and care for the children and grandchildren she loved more than life itself. Although Millie’s friends and loved ones will miss her deeply, they find comfort in knowing that death has no sting for those who believe. The memories she leaves behind will be a lasting treasure for years to come.

Mildred Elizabeth Hixson of Portage died on Saturday, January 14, 2012. Mildred’s family includes her three children: George (Cindy) Hixson, of Mattawan; Diane (Mike) McCaul, of Portage; Teresa (Tom) Newcomb, of Portage; six grandchildren: Kim (Jay) Oakley, of Portage; Charlie (Kim) Newcomb, of Gobles; Eric Newcomb, of CO; Natalie McCaul, of Kalamazoo; Shelly McCaul, of Kalamazoo; Abby (Brett) Mumy, of Grand Rapids two great-grandchildren: Brooke and Skyler Oakley; two sisters: Nancy (Howard) Ray, of Portage and Sheryl (Jerry) Boles, of Kalamazoo; three brothers: Johnny (Lucille) Roberson, of Kalamazoo; Tommy Roberson, of Kalamazoo; and Jack (Diane) Roberson, of Kalamazoo. Millie was preceded in death by her husband, James; and her two sons: Kenny and Dan. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 19, from 11 until the time of the service at the Life Story Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage (344-5600). The funeral service will be held at the same location on Thursday at 1 p.m. Please visit Mildred’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign her memory book online. The family would appreciate memorial donations be directed to the Bethlehem Baptist Church and/or Kairos Dwelling.