Mildred Elam

Smithville – Mildred Farrar Stephens “Granny Mildred” Elam, 79, died on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, as a result of the Smithville tornado.
Born on September 2, 1931, in Smithville, she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Carria Watts Farrar. Granny was a graduate of Smithville High School, Class of 1949, where she was a basketball cheerleader. She worked at Monroe Trousers before becoming a homemaker and operating a child care business. Faithful and having a strong love for the Lord, Granny was a lifelong member of Smithville Baptist Church where she was a member of the Ruth Whitehead Sunday school class. Generous and compassionate, she kept and fed numerous children when they got off the school bus. Her faith, family and friends guided her life. Granny was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren. Dedicated to serving others, especially older folks, she faithfully visited the nursing home with her Young at Heart group. She made people’s day when one of her cards arrived in the mail on special days, occasions, and sharing memories and condolences. Granny’s enjoyment centered around helping others and she always looked forward to cooking and having the family over on holidays.
She is survived by her daughters, Bridget (Dannie) Lee and Karen (Lee) Knight, Smithville; sons, Terry (Alisa) Stephens and Tim Stephens, Smithville; grandchildren, Kerri (Stephen) Hathcock, Amory; Kassi Lee, Clinton MS; Wesley (Elizabeth) Stephens, Tupelo; Zara Duke, Justin Knight, Kasha Stephens, Kyle Stephens and Kara Stephens, all of Smithville; great-grandchildren, Riley Beth and Seth Stephens, Pearson and Addison Duke, and Jack Hathcock; nephew, Billy and Margie Farrar, Amory; and special friends, Kathleen Lovern, Nay Lantrip, and Nell Box. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Carol Stephens and a brother, Elbert Pete Farrar.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 PM, Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Bro. Wesley Stephens and Bro. Wes White officiating. Burial will be in Young Memorial Garden. Pallbearers will be Richard McCain, Kevin Farrar, Jeremy Farrar, Jeff Lindsey, Luke Harris, Mike Holloway, and Jerry Lee Frederick. Honorary pallbearers will be Lawrence Stevens and Billy Farrar.
Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to Smithville Baptist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 52, Smithville, MS 38870, or Baptist Children’s Village, 216 Farrow Manor DR, Independence Ms 38618 Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.