Mildred Louise Shumate

Mildred Louise Shumate, age 82, of Tiptonville, TN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Signature Healthcare of Ridgely.

Born on October 6, 1942, in Clinton, KY, she was the beloved daughter of the late George "Buddy" Stephens and Ruth Bennett Stephens. Mildred graduated from Central High School in Clinton, KY in May of 1960. She was a dedicated student who worked very hard while in school. She was on the cheerleading team and participated in the majorette program. Mildred also attended Dyersburg State Community College and the University of Tennessee at Martin where she studied accounting. Mildred was a retired bookkeeper for Georgia Gulf and had also served as a secretary and substitute teacher at Lake County High School.

Mildred learned to cook at a young age specializing in making chocolate fudge. She often made it just to share with others and enjoyed doing this for over 60 years. She had a passion for reading, gardening and spending time with her family.

Mildred was a fifty (50) year member of the Order of Eastern Star and was very proud of her membership and the offices she held within the organization. During her membership with Eastern Star, she served at the state level for four (4) years including serving as Worthy Grand Matron for Tennessee. Through this organization she was able to serve and give back to her community and any charities that the organization supported.

In her spare time, she loved to read and bake. Fudge, homemade bread, cakes and pies were among the delicious treats she enjoyed making and sharing as gifts throughout the years. Mildred has been a member of the First Baptist Church in Tiptonville for over fifty (50) years. Throughout her membership, she served on various committees, taught Sunday school and was active in the church choir. Mildred would like to be known and remembered as a person of high moral character that did her absolute best when giving back and doing for others.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Tiptonville with Bro. Ray Goodgine officiating. Burial will be in New Haven Cemetery. Dyersburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

The family will receive visitors from 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at the church.

Survivors include her daughter, Vanessa Garner Shell (Chucky) of Ridgely, TN; three sisters, Molly Hill (Albert) of Olive Branch, MS, Betty Burpo and Vicky Stephens, both of Clinton, KY; a brother, Landy Stephens of Clinton, KY; her daughter-in-law, Patti Shumate of Tiptonville, TN; two grandchildren, Jared Shumate and Madison Garner; two step-grandchildren, Adam Shell and Mallory Kissell; one great-grandchild, Brooks Garner; and two step-great-grandchildren, Hallie Shell and BentleyAnn Kissell.

In addition to her parents, Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome Shumate; a son, Jerome Hamilton Shumate; and several brothers and sisters.

Pallbearers will be Jared Shumate, Albert Hill, Bubba Davis, Chucky Shell, Larry Fulcher and Chris Fulcher.

Memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church, 619 Church Street, Tiptonville, TN 38079.

Dyersburg Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Mildred Shumate. Online condolences can be made to the family at dyersburgfuneralhome.net

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