Mildred Louise Counts Clark was born August 30, 1931, in her beloved Abingdon, Virginia, where she lived her entire life. She left this earth for the glories of heaven on December 7, 2022.
Mildred was born above a butcher shop on Main Street to her mother, Jesse and father George. She married the dashing Jeff Clark January 14, 1948, at the age of 16. The young couple then moved across the street to the stately brick home he had inherited from his Uncle Jeff Clark.
She birthed and raised six children in the next two decades. Daughter Linda came first, followed by Frank, Al, Betty, Mary, and Julie. She also buried a baby boy, born too early. Mildred came to be known as “Meme” by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She delighted in keeping a house scrubbed clean from dust, smelling of fresh laundry mixed with the age of the house. The smell is so unique, so special, it can only be used to describe Meme’s home.
She opened a hair salon in her home and worked as a hair stylist for many years before her long career at the former Reynolds Metals. She retired from Reynolds (Ball Corporation) after 25 years of service.
She was a hard-working woman who loved tending her garden, flowers and fragrant lilac tree that has been standing over 100 years.
Her memory was sharp, even at over 90 years old. She could tell you who lived in each house in Abingdon and the history of the town she loved so much. She never wanted to leave her house, even as she became more frail. Her daughters helped care for her and her daughter Mary left her job temporarily and moved in with her as a full time caregiver.
Mildred was one of the toughest women any of us have ever known. She endured multiple strokes, heart attacks, and other health issues, but didn’t complain or feel sorry for herself. She got up each day with a grateful heart, thankful for the care she received from her family, and most of all for God’s grace. She spoke her mind; she was funny, bold, and sometimes even embarrassed you.
We will all miss her, but we know she is even now embracing her husband, children, parents, siblings, and family members. She fiercely loved her family and friends, and persistently prayed over salvation and walk with the Lord.
A Visitation with family and friends will be on Friday, December 9, 2022 from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at Frost Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at Sinking Spring Cemetery in Abingdon, Virginia with Pastor Caleb Holman officiating. Those planning to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home by 1:30 P.M. to go in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Kenny, Robert Kenny, Isaac Kenny, Patrick Duggan, Shan Gill, and Daniel Elliott. Honorary pallbearers will be Stephen Clark and Jeff Orebaugh.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mildred's honor may be made to Damascus Road Baptist Church, 18844 Jeb Stuart Highway, Abingdon, Virginia, 24211.
Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Clark.