Mildred M. Harbert

Norfolk, VA
Mildred "Millie" Harbert, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2025, in the presence of family. She was born on January 9, 1933, in Queens, New York, to German immigrants Eugene and Hedwig Rinderknecht.
Millie is survived by her loving daughters, Donna James and husband Garth of Virginia Beach, VA; Pamela Jones and husband Shawn of Fairfax, VA; and Melissa Harbert and her late husband Marty Sparks of Virginia Beach, VA. She also leaves behind her beloved brother-in-law, René LeRouzes of Summerland Key, FL, as well as her cherished niece, Laura Fisher and husband Gray of Kannapolis, NC, and nephew René LeRouzes and wife Michelle of Peachtree City, GA. Millie's legacy lives on through her grandchildren, Nora Jones of Denver, CO, and Ethan Jones and fiancé Tristen of Arlington, VA.
In addition to her immediate family, she was loved by extended relatives and friends. Known as "Mimi" to her grandchildren, she will always be remembered for her boundless love, warmth, and the wonderful memories she created for all who knew her.
Millie was predeceased by her beloved husband of 53 years, William "Bill" Harbert; her dear sister, Helen LeRouzes; brother-in-law, Paul Marsh Harbert; aunt and uncle, Mildred and Erhard Lutz; stepmother, Lisa Rinderknecht; and mother-in-law, Eythel Harbert.
Millie's life was nothing short of extraordinary. A bright and determined woman, she graduated as salutatorian of her high school class, where she earned the nickname "Brains + Beauty + Great Personality = One Swell Gal." Millie met her future husband, Bill, at an Air Force dance in New York City, and together, they built a life that took them to Texas, Ohio, and eventually Virginia. She worked as a federal government executive secretary before retiring to focus on her family.
A long-time resident of Hampton Roads, Millie made her home on Wharton Avenue where she built lasting friendships over the years. She loved living on the water and delighting family and friends with memorable crab feasts. In retirement, she traveled extensively with her family creating cherished memories. Millie was an avid reader and a dedicated member of several book clubs. Each day, she would begin her morning with the newspaper, completing the crossword and Sudoku puzzles with great enthusiasm.
A gifted artisan, Millie had a remarkable talent for sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She often shared her handmade creations with loved ones, leaving behind beautiful, tangible memories for those who were fortunate enough to receive them.
Millie was also a passionate animal lover and advocate. Over the years, she cared for and nursed-back-to-health countless dogs, cats, ducks, and birds, offering them her unconditional love and patience. Her devotion to her pets, both her own and those of her extended family, was a testament to her compassionate nature.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank her caregivers Kathy Stancil and Kim Charlton with heartfelt gratitude.
Now at rest, Millie is reunited with those who went before her, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by her warmth, kindness, and generosity. She will be missed deeply but forever remembered with love.
A memorial service for Millie will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11:00 am at Christ Lutheran Church, 6510 N Military Hwy, Norfolk, VA by Pastor Sean Tietze. Memorial donations may be made to the Norfolk SPCA.