Mildred Ann Smith

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Mildred Ann Smith, age 69, a beloved member of the Dodson Branch community, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. She was born on June 5, 1955, in Cookeville, TN, and lived a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication to her family and community.

Mildred's career as a cook at Dodson Branch Elementary highlighted her passion for nurturing others, a quality that resonated deeply throughout her life. Her warm meals not only fed hungry bellies but also brought joy and comfort to countless children and their families. Mildred loved creating happy memories around the dinner table, where she often shared her homemaking skills and, more importantly, her loving spirit.

Mildred attended Dodson Branch School, where she began to create the foundation of her warm and outgoing personality. She was a member of the House of Prayer Revival Center in Rickman, where her faith and kindness shone brightly.

Her greatest joy came from spending precious time with her granddaughters, Mackenzie Dennis and Olivia Smith, whom she adored deeply. Every moment shared with her grand babies was a treasured memory, filled with warmth and love. Mildred was a proud spirit, once capturing the title of winner in the tobacco spitting contest at the Poke Sallet Festival in Jackson County, a lighthearted testament to her fun-loving nature.

In addition to her beloved granddaughters, Mildred leaves behind her loving husband, Gary Smith of Dodson Branch, whom she married on August 8, 1975, in her mother's backyard. Together, they built a lifetime of cherished memories filled with love and companionship. She is also survived by her son, Kenny Dale Smith of Dodson Branch, who carries forward her legacy of kindness and dedication. Mildred is also survived by her brother, Harvey (Annette) Clinton of Hohenwald, TN, and sister, Lisa (Mike) Mayberry of Dodson Branch, alongside a host of nieces and nephews who will forever cherish the joy and warmth she brought into their lives.

Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her parents, Willis Elvis and Bertha Udale Garrison Clinton; brothers, James "Dick" Clinton, Charles Rod Clinton and Dave Clinton; and her sisters, Bonnie Clinton, Johnnie Clinton Spell, Mary Clinton Allen, and Wilma Clinton Scott.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Dodson Branch Freewill Baptist Church in Cookeville with Pastors Ronnie Dunn and Mike Owens officiating.

Interment will follow at Burris Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Mildred's family will receive friends at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. And again on Friday from 9:00 AM until time of service at the Church.

Mildred's generous spirit and unwavering love will be greatly missed, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

In Lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the funeral home to assist with burial expenses.

The Cookeville Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements 931-526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com