Mildred Birtwistle

Mildred Birtwistle (Mom, Grandmom) went home to heaven to be with Jesus. She passed away February 8 just after her 89th birthday party. She was born in Philadelphia, PA living with her parents, three siblings and grandmother.
Her first passion was to share the love of Jesus, and it began as a teenager to city kids near their home church, Second Baptist Church on Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA. Her husband-to-be and his family also attended this church. Her second passion was bookkeeping with her first job at the PSFS Building in Philadelphia PA.
Mildred attended Houghton College in NY. She married David Norman Birtwistle during a thunderstorm on August 22, 1959. As a young couple, they served as Billy Graham crusade counselors introducing others to Jesus.
In 1971, David and Mildred chose to leave the public education music department to serve as pioneers in the Christian School movement. She loved teaching, bookkeeping, supporting, working with children and staff, organizing the annual "trash and treasure" sales, and making thousands of Rice Krispie treats and lemon bars.
In 1993, David and Mildred moved to PA and she served as an office manager at Community Care of the Northeast, Welsh Road, Philadelphia.
Upon retirement in 2008, she moved to Branson MO to work in mentoring, encouraging and bookkeeping for AIM Around the World and serving the homeless at the Salvation Army. In 2011, she continued ministry with Louder Than Words in DE and served in her church, Grace Church in Dover, Delaware.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Helen Ivins of Philadelphia PA. She was also preceded by her siblings, Helen, Harry and Louie and brother-in-law George. Lastly, she was preceded by her loving husband of 36.5 years, David Birtwistle.
Cherished by her children: Susan L. Brown (husband David), Sharon L. Bringhurst (husband Richard), Mark D. Birtwistle (wife Heidi), and April J. Birtwistle. Adored by her grandchildren: Ryan, Courtney, Emily, Chel, Ali, Jackson, and Brian. Loved by her great-grandchildren: Hananiah, Susannah, Nate, Lucas, Felicity, Corrie, Amari, Emma, and Aria. Remembered by her sisters-in-law, Judy Ivins and Lillian Ivins.
We will always remember her influence in many lives- children and adults alike. She made life fun for everyone. Always serving! Mildred was happiest when she was involved in the work whatever it was- hoping to shine Jesus' love to every person.
In lieu of flowers, Mildred would love for you to support the Gideons (https://www.gideons.org/donate) or the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (https://billygraham.org).
The family would like to thank you for your loving care, support and expressions of sympathy. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 18 at Grace Church, 350 McKee Road, Dover, DE 19904, with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private at Lawnview Cemetery,
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