Mildred Houston Beckett, loyal church member

Mildred Houston Beckett transitioned to her heavenly home Wednesday, May 24, 2023, after a brief illness.

Mildred was born Jan. 12, 1927, to the late Hazel Nelson Houston and Henry Houston in Millsboro.

It was while she was attending middle school in Frankford that she met the late 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 July 24, 1948. They settled in Millsboro and were the proud parents of three children, Gloria, Shirley and Benjamin.

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. Church, where she was 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 No. 81 Order of the Golden Circle, a past Loyal Lady Ruler of Assembly No. 81; and first treasurer of 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.

She is survived by three children, Gloria Duffy (William) of Millsboro, Shirley Roberts (Brian) of Bear, and 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. and Richard Thomas; and nine great-grandchildren, Tyzhir, Troy Jr., Christian, Riley, Brayden, Miles, Aria, Trey and Amias; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.