Mildred Folston

February 15, 1924 - January 10, 2019

On February 15, 1924, an angel was born to Edgar and Mammie Maxey Smith in Washington Ga. Waiting for her at home was an older sister, Ammie. Following Mildred’s birth were the birth’s of her younger siblings, Irvin, Sallie Mae and Frank aka, ‘’Borina” whom preceded her. She leaves behind her youngest sister, Rachel Bullock. On January 10,2019, at the tender age of 94, Mildred passed from labor to reward, at her home surrounded by family. As a young woman in 1944, Mildred moved to Sebring FL where she met and married Samuel Thomas Berry, Sr. Their marriage resulted in three children, two of which (Mary Thomas and Walter Pete Berry) proceeded her in death. In 1960, Mildred met and married John W. Folston. The couple was affectionately known as Mr. John and Betty Boop. They were joined in marriage and companionship for 58 years, until her demise. Mildred worked at a downtown Café for many years, and later was employed at Weems Clinic. In 1979, Mildred pursued a career in nursing. She worked and studied hard and eventually became an L.P.N. , which she used her training and education to acquire her license and ultimately became the head nurse at the Palms of Sebring. She served in that capacity for twenty-seven years before retiring. Mildred had a deep love and affection for her community, those around her and most of all her family. This explains why the nursing profession seemed to come naturally for her. If there was anything that one may have needed, be it a loaf of bread, a cup of sugar, a hug, a listening ear, or just a kind word, you could always count on Mildred to deliver. She loved to reminisce about being raised in the back woods of Georgia. She would be sure to share with others, stories of having to walk 5 miles to school, in the snow, BAREFOOTED, ONE WAY. How she and her siblings would play a game called FIRE BALL, fetch water from the well, chase the fire/flies lightening bugs, tend to the farm before and going to school and much, much more. Mildred loved to attend bible study, go to church and ride the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church van. They would go to and from meeting different folks, hearing the word and fellowshipping with others. She loved to read the bible. She constantly strived or rightly divide the world, so that she could do everything in her power to ensure that she was living accordingly. Being a beacon of light, hope and a living example for others. She loved talking about the Lord and reminded those who she came in contact with that, if it had not been for the Lord, who was on her side, she’s not sure where she would be “ Mildred was a devoted Christian. A faithful member of the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Sebring since 1955. She served faithfully and was appointed and recognized as the Mother of her church, up until her demise. Left to mourn and cherish in her memories are many loved ones. Her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, John W. Folston , Sebring, FL; a son, Samuel (Bibiana) T. Berry, Casselberry, FL; A sister Rachel Bullock, Sebring, FL; eight grandchildren: Gregory ( Elaine ) Thomas, Crystal River, FL; Demetra Thomas Thomas, Sebring, FL; Leon ( Sebrena) Thomas, Jr., Sebring, FL; Michael (Monique) Berry, Washington, DC and Tamika (Eustis) McFarland, Atlanta, GA. Mildred also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great grandchildren. A host of very special nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, loving friends, neighbors and a special nephew Clifford Smith.