Mildred Elizabeth Prater Powell passed away peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 94.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Sam W. Powell; mother, Leatha Lorance Youngblood; her father, Whitelaw Prater; and her grandparents, Walter and Ella Jane McMahan Lorance.
Mildred is survived by her devoted son, Sammy N. Powell (Yuki); her daughter, Carol Powell Bennett, and son-in-law, Pete Bennett. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Samuel Powell (Ginny) Bennett and Peter Powell Bennett, Chris (Dana) Bennett, Jennifer (Van) Huff and a cherished great-grandmother to Reese and Chloe, Kyle (Lauren) Bennett, Kaleigh (Elizabeth) Bennett.
Mildred was the sunshine of her family — our love and our blessing every single day. She worked at Colonial Shirt Factory and was also a dedicated Farmer and faithful gatekeeper of her farm, home and family. She was a devoted and oldest member of the Pleasant View Church of Christ. She believed in hard work, strong faith, and taking care of her own.
She seldom ended a visit or a phone call without saying, “I love you more,” words that will echo in the hearts of her family forever. With a smile and a bit of playful wisdom, she would say, “Cold hands, warm heart, dirty feet, no sweetheart,” a saying that perfectly captured her humor and down-to-earth spirit. For the last several months, as a resident of Parkview Meadows she was affectionately known as Sassy, Missy and Spicy to her friends and care staff.
Her strength, warmth, laughter, and steady presence touched all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and devotion that will continue through generations.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Her family will receive friends Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Funeral services will begin at 12:00 Noon Thursday, February 19, 2026 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Norman Pelham officiating. Interment will follow in the Leoni cemetery.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave memories and condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net