Mildred Jean Smith

Mildred Jean Morrow Smith, 89, of Athens, TN, passed away on March 8, 2025. She was born on April 17, 1935, in Athens, TN, to Sterling F. Morrow, Sr. and Lucy Belle Odum Morrow. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Melynda Caylor, and her granddaughter Jessy Thompson.

She is survived by her children, Robert (Bob) Caylor, Kathy Farrell, and Constance Thompson; grandchildren Shane Farrell (Andrew), Angel Baxter (Mitch), April Wilson Key (James), Heather Edwards, Amber Wilson Pritchett, and Zach Thompson; great-grandchildren Cole Baxter (Savannah), Brianne Kennedy (Tyler), Aiden Baxter, Austin Edwards (Makalyn), Ashland Fitch, Alyssia Piper Key, Austin Key, Aleczander Key, and Alaska Rain Pritchett; and many great-great-grandchildren.

Mildred was a strong-willed and complex person, and her relationships with family reflected that. Though reconciliation remained out of reach, she longed to be close to her loved ones. In her later years, she found companionship and support among a group of dear friends who brought her joy and connection. She also found faith at Allen Memorial United Methodist Church, where she came to know the Lord as her Savior.

While the paths to healing were not fully traveled in this life, we trust she has now found the peace she sought. May her story serve as a reminder of the importance of grace, understanding, and cherishing the time we have with one another.

A graveside service will be held at McMinn Memory Gardens on March 26 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in her memory.