MILDRED WILKES

1921-2018

Mildred Lehman Wilkes, known to family as “Mimi,” passed away on January 31, 2018, at the age of 96.

Mildred was born November 19, 1921, in the small community of Wartburg, Tennessee; the second of three children born to Flora and Albert Martin Lehman. Shortly after, her family moved to Chattanooga, TN where she spent the remainder of her childhood.

It was in Chattanooga that Mildred met, fell in love with and married Thomas Marshall Wilkes, her husband of 70 years. Together, they had two sons, Marshall Jr. and Richard.

During her time in Tennessee, Mildred raised their two sons while excelling in various positions in the Oak Ridge public school system. In 1961, Mildred’s husband Marshall accepted a position with NASA and they relocated the family to Houston. Not long after, Mildred accepted a position with NASA working on the Apollo program. Throughout her career at NASA she was a proud member of the prestigious Apollo, Skylab, and Apollo/Soyuz programs. In the fall of 1974, after fourteen years of service, Mildred joined Marshall in retirement.

In retirement, Mildred continued to explore the world with her husband, visiting more than 30 countries. She brought a life to her local community through involvement in bridge clubs, tennis, and cross-stitching, and at 92, took home 2nd place in cross-stitch at a statewide competition.

Mildred possessed an unceasing dedication to her church and faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mildred and Marshall joined Houston Second Baptist church in December 1979. Through her many hours of service, Mildred shared the love of the Lord and found enjoyment by singing in the choir, regularly volunteering at the Information Desk and being active in the Tour Guide Program. In 1984, Mildred held the position of Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) Director where she led the way for hundreds of women in mission studies.

Mildred is preceded in death by her husband Marshall and her two sons, Marshall Jr. and Richard.

She is survived by her 5 grandsons and their wives, 6 great-grandchildren, 3 daughters-in-law, and countless friends and family.

Friends are cordially invited to a memorial service at one o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 6th of February, in the Sanctuary of Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive in Houston, where Dr. Gary Moore and John Barksdale will officiate.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Mildred’s honor may be directed to Houston Baptist University.