Mildred L. Huff

Mildred Shelton-Huff was born March 6, 1934, in Clarksville, Missouri to Henry and Dovie Shelton during the Great Depression. She married James Nelson Johnson in 1951, who died tragically in 1956 leaving behind three children. She was remarried in 1958 to Clarence Huff, a widower as well with five children. Mildred, nicknamed ‘Mimee’, began her education in a segregated local school. Her formal education culminated with a High School Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) in 1970 after marrying Clarence Huff and moving to Rock Island, Illinois. A devout Christian, she was baptized at Second Baptist Church by her uncle, Reverend A.B. Collins, the church’s minister at the time.

After 88 years and 11 months of good and faithful service on behalf of her Lord and Savior, our mother was promoted to the title of ‘Angel’. She received the commendation of ‘Loving Star’ recommended and sanctioned by family, friends and her community for lifelong acts of love, service and kindness.

Our mother lived a life of humility and gratitude. Born out of the African American experience, she was a special woman and a loving example of the distinct pride we should have in living; not a haughty pride but one that grows out of love of self and for mankind. A down to earth kind of pride that gives self-satisfaction in doing and being your best. She led us as well as loved us. Our mother will forever be an unfathomable wellspring of love we will all continue to draw from for strength and unity.

Mildred was preceded in death by her first husband James Nelson Johnson and her second husband of 55 years, Clarence Huff. She was reunited in heaven with her sisters Gladys Davis, Delphine Boyd, Argolda Foster, Jane Shelton, Daisy Elizabeth Lowery, Mary Louise Harrington, Sarah Josephine Harris, Betty Lou Shelton and Carol Scott; and brothers Henry Shelton Jr. and James Shelton, as well as her two loving children Billy Huff and Beva Anderson and three loving grandchildren Kenyatta Ellis, Tyson Shivers and Ashanti Johnson.

Her legacy will live on through her surviving brothers, Charles Shelton and Charles Randall, and her children: Deborah Shivers, Bruce Huff (Evelyn); Emily Huff, Bobby Johnson (Sheryl), Kim Huff, and Linda Shivers (Ricky). She is also survived by her grandchildren Derrick Rummels (Tina), Patrick McDonald, Kim Holly, LaShonda Anderson, Elena Camp, Myshoska Harris, Natasha Marshall, Mike Shivers (Keona), Akili Johnson (Melanie), Dyanne Shivers, MaKeesha Anderson, Jalia Johnson, Bruce Huff, Jr. (Shawnteal), Halisi Cail (Dennis), Sequoya Ellis, Cameish Martin, Darrell Huff, Leah Shivers, Moriah Shivers, Kim Huff, Jr. and Austin Huff, as well as 32 great grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren.

We bow to our Creator and thank him for her life as our gift, and humbly stand together as we acknowledge her ascent into Heaven and sing, “Thank you Lord”. 

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