Mildred Houston Beckett's Obituary
Mildred Houston Beckett transitioned to her Heavenly home on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, after a brief illness.
Mildred was born on January 12, 1927, to the late Hazel Nelson Houston and Henry Houston in Millsboro, Delaware; the second of four children.
It was while she was attending middle school in Frankford that she met Benjamin H. Beckett (Ben), who was to become her future husband.
At their 50th wedding anniversary, Ben shared his remembrance of her first day walking into the classroom and the red dress that she was wearing. She made an impression as, years later, they courted and were married on July 24, 1948. They settled in Millsboro and were the proud parents of three children: Gloria, Shirley, and Benjamin.
Ben was largely considered to be the outgoing one in their relationship, while Mildred was more comfortable using her strength and wisdom in the background. Ben was the family’s spiritual leader, but Mildred supported him in every way and ran all the details of the family’s daily life.
Over the years Mildred held many roles. She worked for Dr. and Mrs. Virgil Hudson in Millsboro; assisted her mother, Hazel Houston, as a school bus driver; and volunteered at East Millsboro Elementary School. However, Mildred was primarily a homemaker supporting her mother, children, grandchildren and whoever needed her assistance.
She grew up as a member of Dickerson Chapel A.M.E. Church. Upon marriage she joined Antioch A.M.E. where she remained a loyal member, serving in many capacities over the years.
Mildred had been a member of the Singing and Praying Band for almost 50 years.
She was a founding member of Milton Assembly #81 Order of the Golden Circle; Past Loyal Lady Ruler of Assembly #81; and First Treasurer of the Delaware State Grand Assembly of the Order of the Golden Circle.
Mildred was also the last surviving founding member of the Sons and Daughters Chorus of Frankford.
Mildred was a loving and loyal wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She never looked down on others and taught her children that one’s character and heart were the true measure of a person. She was strong and always emphasized to her children the importance of being prepared for whatever life might bring.
Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents were, husband, Benjamin H. Beckett; sister, Ruth Rickards; special nephew, James Holden; brothers, Henry Houston and wife Ollie; William Beckett and wife Anna; in-laws, Charles Beckett and wife Rittie; Wilson Beckett and wife Laura; George Beckett and wife Vivian; Alexander Beckett and wife Blanche; Rachel Houston and husband Harold; and Kathleen Houston.
She is survived by three children; Gloria Duffy (William) of Millsboro; Shirley Roberts (Brian) of Bear; Benjamin E. Beckett (Lisa) of Felton; one brother, Harry S. Houston of Millsboro; sister-in-law, Rosie Beckett; seven grandchildren, Troy Morris (Triwania); Leah Perez (Michael); Marcus Morris (Noraida); Melissa Morris; Christopher Roberts (Alexandra); Benjamin E. Beckett, Jr.; Richard Thomas and 9 great-grandchildren, Tyzhir; Troy, Jr; Christian; Riley; Brayden; Miles; Aria; Trey; Amias; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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