Mildred Warner

Mildred Warner

1913-2013

 

Mildred Herrin Warner died October 7 at her home. She was 100 years old and extremely independent to the end.

Born in Asher, Oklahoma on May 5, 1913 to George and Jesse (Neely) Herrin, she graduated from Paoli High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from what is now East Central State University, in Ada, in 1935, also earning her teaching certificate.

She married Paul Dee Warner in 1935 and for the next few years, the couple lived in a number of locations around the country, following Paul’s work in pipeline construction. As their two sons, Jack and Dick, got older, Mildred and Paul, looking for a more stable educational environment for their family, moved to Independence, Kansas, then to Shawnee where their daughter Priscilla was born.

Once her children were in school, Mildred went back to the classroom herself – teaching in both public and private schools in Shawnee.

Mildred was widowed in 1963.

Later in life, Mildred moved to Broken Bow, enjoying the beautiful pine woods and the fresh air. Always an excellent seamstress, she made many friends through her ability to do alterations.

After several years in Broken Bow, she returned to Shawnee where she was a member of the Church of Christ and a passionate believer in racial equality. She moved to Edmond in 1996 and enjoyed living for many years at Copper Lake Independent Living Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul and her brothers Victor, Marvin (Bernard) and Benson Herrin. She is survived by her three children: Jack Warner and his wife Elaine of Edmond; Richard Warner and his wife Charlene, Round Rock, Texas and Priscilla Gerfen and her husband Kevin, Stillwater. Grandchildren include Jay Warner and wife Carolyn, Edmond; Zoe McAden and husband Simon Forward, Penzance, Cornwall, England; Steve and Allison Warner, Austin, Texas; Greg Warner of Round Rock and four great-grandchildren: Calvin, Austin and Alex Warner, Edmond and Graham Warner, Austin.

There will be a memorial service for Mildred for her friends at Copper Lake and later a family graveside service. Her family would like to thank Copper Lake, Good Shepherd Hospice, and her especially good friend Pam Jones for the care given to her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.