Mildred Blanks Williams, 96

Mildred Blanks Williams, 96, died Sunday September 7, 2014 at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence on 3338 West 10th Street in Sedalia, Missouri 65301.

Mildred was born on December 12, 1917 in Desoto, Missouri to the parents of Archie B. and Annie Long Blanks. She was educated in the Desoto Langston school system. Mildred attended the Methodist Church in Desoto and was baptized at an early age. She grew up in a loving family consisting of six brothers and one sister. Her oldest brother Earl passed away in early childhood. The other five brothers: Arnold Blanks, Doris Blanks, Ward Blanks, Leonard Blanks and Albert Blanks and sister, Bethel Blanks preceded her in death. The Blanks children experienced the tragedy of losing their mother Annie to tuberculosis at the age of forty-six. After their mother’s death, the children performed the necessary household duties required to assist their single father, Archie Blanks. They all remained at home with their father until they became adults and left to start their own careers and families. Mildred fell in love and was married to Howard Williams at the age of eighteen. They relocated to Sedalia, Missouri, Howard’s hometown. They purchased a home on 634 North Lamine in Sedalia, of which they were very proud. The 634 North Lamine address was their primary address during their marriage.

No children were born to the union of Mildred and Howard Williams. Howard passed away on November 24, 1986 in their home. Mildred continued to reside in their home after Howard’s death and kept busy with her hobbies and church activities. She loved to show off the beautiful flower gardens she maintained in her front yard. Mildred’s favorite hobby was playing bingo. She played every day at the Sedalia Senior Center and was a frequent winner, which earned her the nickname, “Lucky Lady”. Mildred was employed at the Swift and Company processing plant in Sedalia, Mo. for eighteen years. She was in charge of coordinating the work orders for the employees on her shift. Her job duty earned her the nickname, “Easy Money”. Mildred loved to tell stories about her work related experiences and her nickname. When Mildred wasn’t gardening or playing bingo, she kept busy working on committee projects at the Taylor Chapel United Methodist Church. Mildred loved to travel from Sedalia to Desoto on the Union Pacific train which she had a permanent pass on to visit her father, brothers and sister. She never made the trip unless she had a new outfit to show off and was always the life of the party. Mildred lived a very active life until she lost her sight in both eyes and health problems required her to move into the Sylvia G. Thompson Residence.

Mildred was known for her smile, youthful appearance and personal style, her wit, spunk, intelligence, loyalty and love for family and friends. Mildred loved her large family and friends, too vast to list names. She was especially fond and cherished all her nieces and nephews, all of whom loved Aunt Mildred dearly. She is survived by three nephews, Jack Price, Valencia, California; Archie Price, Harrisburg, NC; Ralph Price, St. Louis, Mo; and a niece, Shirley Shern, Inglewood, California.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday September 18, 2014 at the Ewing-Shutte- Semler Funeral Home with the Rev. Calvin Pritchard, Pastor officiating. Pallbearers will be John Price, Albert Shern, Ralph Price, David Blanks, Archie Price and Keith Blanks. Burial will be in the Crown Hill Cemetery.