of Little Rock, AR

July 8, 1936 - September 28, 2023

Mildred Southerland peacefully left this life on earth on Thursday, September 28, 2023. Mildred was born on July 8, 1936, in Russell, Arkansas to Willie and Bernice (Hicks) Gage. She was a cherished daughter and the shining light in their lives.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, two infant brothers, and her loving husband of 65 years, Clinton Southerland. Mildred is survived by their five children, Kay Caancan (Archie-dec), Larry Southerland (Bev), Rita Carel (Jim), Joe Southerland (Joanna), Gary Southerland (Dolly); nine grandchildren, Laurie Bridgeman, Sam Southerland, Jake Southerland, Matt Carel, Zach Carel, Ava Trobee, April Southerland, Andrea Southerland, and David Southerland; and five great-grandchildren, Mikayla Bridgeman, Rally Carel, Westlyn Carel, James Trobee and George Trobee.

Mildred was greatly blessed in this life with a loving, devoted marriage to her best friend, Clint. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren and was always quick to share their achievements with anyone who might simply ask if she had a family. Mildred was a dedicated, faithful wife and mother who raised her family in a loving, encouraging and nurturing environment, while also setting clear expectations to treat others with kindness, dignity and respect. She was very supportive of Clint in his job and with the children in all of their school activities, projects, and dreams. Mildred was a good cook and a wonderful homemaker who could turn a house into a home with little money and a lot of elbow grease. Mildred had a natural curiosity and "can do" approach to life. She was quick to help family, friends, neighbors or others whenever she could. Mildred was the perfect partner for Clint, always enjoying his humor, Cardinal baseball games on the radio, their home improvement projects, genealogy research and "ride-abouts" in the country. They were a team when it came to instilling expectations in their children to look beyond their front door, to be self-confident, to strive for excellence, and to meet life head-on. Mildred was a faithful servant of the Lord through her many acts and deeds that were a support or service to others. She was truly a blessing in the lives of her family, and those whose hearts and lives she touched throughout her lifetime.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 28, at Roller Daniel Funeral Home, 411 East Race Street, Searcy, AR. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. A reception will be held at the Holiday Inn Express, 3660 Ferren Trail, Searcy, at 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the following charities: The
American Cancer Society or the Alzheimers Association of Arkansas.

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