Mildred Pritchett

In Loving Memory of

Mildred Louise King Smith Pritchett

August 30, 1937 - May 17, 2025

Mildred Louise King Smith Pritchett, 87, of Joshua, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Glen Rose, Texas.

Born in Brazos Point, Texas, Mildred was the youngest of five children born to Willie W. and Ollie (Mears) King and lived in Texas her entire life. She grew up during hard times, working in the cotton fields from an early age. Although her formal education ended after sixth grade, Mildred later returned to her studies and proudly earned her GED in 1980. She was adamant her children would earn high school degrees.

Mildred wore many hats throughout her life: a hardworking mother, a factory worker, a school cafeteria cook, a pastor's wife, a musician, and the heart of her family. She worked industrial jobs in her early years, including a position at Walls Manufacturing, before joining the Joshua Independent School District in 1982 as part of the cafeteria team. She retired in 2002, remembered fondly by coworkers and students alike.

At just 15, Mildred married Rev. Louis C. Smith. Together they had three children:

CW Smith (wife Patsy) of Carthage, TX;

Reba Baker (husband Don) of Glen Rose, TX;

and Sharon Neuman (husband Robert) of Summerville, SC.

Mildred and Louis founded Full Gospel Tabernacle in Alvarado, Texas, where they ministered together until Louis's untimely death in 1965.

In 1967, Mildred married Rev. Hollis O. Pritchett. They raised two children:

Darla Pritchett Deen (significant other Thomas) of Nocona, TX;

and Michael Pritchett of Joshua, TX.

Hollis and Mildred ministered in several small churches across the Dallas-Fort Worth area and East Texas for many years.

Faith and family were at the center of Mildred's life. She was a devoted church member and pastor's wife, always ready to offer a song in worship or a kind, supportive word to others before or after the service. When the family's home flooded in 1967, her accordion was the only thing which survived unscathed -perhaps a sign of the role music would always play in her life. She enjoyed attending gospel music concerts and loved The Happy Goodman Family as not only were they extremely talented but they sang from the heart. She regularly attended the Church of God camp meetings in Weatherford, Texas, where her spirit was refreshed year after year.

Mildred adored her family and was deeply proud of them. She leaves behind grandchildren Kim, John, Christi, Misty, Chris, Weldon, Chet, Shellee, Lisa, Louis, Tony, Ashlynn, Bradin, and Matthew, as well as great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Her extended family of nieces, nephews, and their children were also near and dear to her heart.

She shared a special bond with her sisters, Margaret Qualls and Betty Joe Matthews, who preceded her in death. The three were almost inseparable-garage sale companions and Southern cooks extraordinaire. Their holiday dinners are cherished memories for the entire King family.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, her brothers Aaron (Big A) and Jesse, both husbands, and her son-in-law Don Baker. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy of strength, faith, and unconditional love lives on.

She will be remembered always with love and gratitude.

In Lieu of Flowers we would like to recommend making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society.