Mildred Lois McElvy

Mrs Mildred Lois McElvy, a service station proprietor entered rest January 10, 2026.  The oldest of seven children, Mildred Wright McElvy was born on February 7, 1930, in Calvert, Texas, to Lewis and Mattie Ola Dixon Wright. She grew up in the Como Community of Fort Worth, attending elementary school there. Under the guidance of Rev. J. L. Lenley, Mildred was baptized at Pleasant Mount Gilead Baptist Church in 1943, at the age of thirteen.

An excellent student with a sharp mind and a warm heart, she graduated from I.M. Terrell High School in 1946. She was steadfast in her faith, serving on the Usher Board, in the Junior and Senior Choirs, and faithfully attending Sunday School.“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” —Proverbs 22:6

In 1950, Mildred married Master Sergeant James McElvy, and together they built a loving and resilient family. Two sons were born to this union after James returned from service in the Korean War. Between 1955 and 1959, the McElvy family was stationed in Germany and England, before returning to the United States at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

After James retired from military service in 1963, they settled in Fort Worth, making their home in the Carver Heights section of Stop Six.

That same year, Mildred united with Mayfield Baptist Church, where she joyfully served for more than 62 years as a member of the Choir, Usher Board,Mission, and Sunday School, and as Benevolence Secretary.“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” — Psalm 122:1Mildred worked as a clerk typist for the Federal Housing Administration during the late 1960s through the 1970s. After seeing both sons through college, she began a pursuit of higher education, earning her Associate of Arts in Business Administration in 1978 at Tarrant County Community College. Undeterred by age or challenge, she continued her studies at Texas Wesleyan University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in1980 — all while being a grandmother. For many years, she held the distinction of being one of the oldest living graduates of her university.After completing her education, Mildred joined her husband as Owner and Operator of their Shell service station. Following James’ passing in 1985, she continued running the business until her retirement in 1990. In retirement, she remained devoted to service — volunteering for more than 16 years at Plaza Medical Center, and faithfully attending Bible Study Fellowship through the entire seven year study of the Bible.

Also, she was a member of Gamma Phi DeltaSorority, a women’s business and professional organization. Her life exemplified the words of Christ:“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” —Proverbs 31:26

Mildred was genuine, kind, thoughtful, empathetic, gracious, reliable, deeply compassionateand truly loved the Lord. We will always remember the epic family Thanksgiving dinners she hosted for her six siblings and their children and a multitude of neighbors and friends. A true servant leader, she extended her heart and home to others — from welcoming college studentsin need of summer lodging, to volunteering tirelessly, and giving generously to education,health, and veterans’ causes. Her quiet acts of service mirrored her enduring faith and love for people.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons Gregory (Brenda) and Gerald (Sylvia);granddaughters Shauna and Britni (Benji); grandsons Brandon (Briana) and Bryan; and great-grandchildren Kyra, Gabriel, Kelvin, Princeton, and Brielle. She is also survived by her brothers, Willie (Lena) and Julian; sister-in-law Irene, a host of relatives, friends, and her loving Mayfield Baptist Church family. Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers Lewis and Charles; sisters Louise and Minnie, and two grandchildren.“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7