Mildred Louise Brent

Mildred Louise Hudson Brent
Mildred Louise Hudson Brent, a generous, and gracious southern lady, died peacefully on December 28, 2016, four months shy her 98th birthday, at Godfrey House, Berryville, Virginia, with caring staff and her favorite son-in-law by her side.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 21, 2017, at Claybar Funeral Home. Private burial to follow. Survivors include her three children, Dr. James H. Brent and daughter- in-law Diane, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Ralph Price Brent and daughter-in-law Sandy, of Magnolia Springs, Texas; and Julia Brent Platt Stewart and son-in-law Fred, of Sterling, Virginia; sister-in-law Wanda Hudson of El Dorado, Arkansas; three granddaughters, three grandsons and seven great grandsons and three great granddaughters; as well as two nieces and one nephew and their families and many friends. Mildred is predeceased by her husband, her parents, her sisters and her brother.
Mildred was born April 27, 1919 in Prescott, Arkansas, a daughter of Nathan Miles Burns Hudson and Virginia Anne Patrick. Mildred grew up in a loving, Christian home in Norphlet, Arkansas with two older sisters, Lois Natalie, and Mamie Marguerite, and an adored younger brother, Nathan Patrick ‘Bud’ Hudson. Mildred, a lifelong and faithful Baptist, began her spiritual journey with a foundation of faith forged and nurtured in the Hudson household. Yet, Mildred was an accomplished tomboy, known to have repeatedly climbed the Norphlet water tower despite parental and official warnings. Mildred graduated from Norphlet High School in May 1937, having served as class officer, and accumulated consistent awards for honor roll, girls’ chorus and state debate team honors.
Upon graduation, Mildred enrolled in Miss McKay’s Secretarial School in Norphlet. Mildred’s life changed forever when James Martin Brent, an older, handsome, dark-haired, blue-eyed Mississippian arrived to work for Gulf Refining Company in the Norphlet/Smackover oilfields. Mildred, 19 and James, 31, were married Friday evening, September 15, 1938 in Norphlet by Rev. H.M. Geren.
They would ultimately move permanently to Texas where they built their life together and raised their family, which would come to include two sons, James Hudson, born in Arkansas, a second son, Ralph Price and a daughter Julia Ann, both born in Port Arthur, Texas. The family settled in the Duncan Woods area, near Orangefield, Texas in the mid 1950’s as James continued his work with Gulf Oil Company Production. Mildred and James were both active parents and encouraged their children’s education; Mildred served as PTA president, officer in the band booster club and together they rarely missed a performance or event involving their children.
With one son in college and another son soon to enroll, Mildred learned to drive and in 1961 began her career at Beall’s Department store in Vidor, Texas and again excelled in her efforts, winning countless sales awards. Upon her retirement in 1988, Mildred described her career at Beall’s as “one of the best experiences of my life….we shared common problems and goals that added something priceless to my life,” thanking her “co-workers, my many friends and customers for 27 good years.”
James would die too soon in 1973 from cancer leaving Mildred to chart the next 44 years of her life alone. Yet Mildred would say she survived by continuing to work, surrounded by love and support from her family and many friends and secure in her faith. Always active in her church, First Baptist Church of Orangefield, Mildred attended faithfully and was ready with a prayer, a casserole, a cake, or whatever for those in need.
Once retired, Mildred started a new career - that of a hospital volunteer - a ‘pink lady’ - by chance her favorite color was always pink - but also a new adventure. Mildred and her new, vibrant set of friends shared a caring nature and common mission, helping others. By the time Mildred retired from the Texas Association of Hospital Auxiliaries she had amassed more than 5,000 hours of volunteer service.
After the death of her sister-in-law Juliette Elender and then the sudden death of her friend and next door neighbor Celeste Montagne, Mildred at the age of 85, decided it was time to move to Virginia to live with her daughter, son-in-law and family. She enjoyed her years in Virginia, reconnecting with her two grown grandsons and immersed again with family. She enjoyed Virginia’s beautiful four seasons – even the snow. Mildred moved to Godfrey House, an assisted living facility in Berryville, Virginia as her health and mobility declined and was lovingly cared for by the staff. Her family continued to care for her with weekly meals, frequent visits and maintained a steady supply of coca colas, chocolates, books, flowers and magazines. Mildred’s mind remained sharp and current almost to the very end of her life, as she recounted for family and visitors her life in Texas, the “good life” she, James and family had together and the love they shared. Mildred always seem to adjust and accept what came her way, she rarely complained and when asked how she was, usually replied, “I’m fine.” She only asked that she be loved and cared for, and not forgotten.
Mildred is once again home in Texas and will be buried next to her James in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. She leaves those who loved her and whom she loved with the treasure of wonderful times together, meals shared, and always memories of her laughter and love.