Mildred Taylor

Mildred was promoted from our loving care to the loving care of our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. She was born October 17, 1942, in Bastrop, Texas, to Lelia Ray (Roberson) and Ross Benford. She was the oldest of six siblings and was like a second mother to them. Her parents taught her about God, the importance of family, and a desire to learn and grow. Mildred accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized.

As a mother, Mildred was a beacon of love and care. She married her high school sweetheart, Ardell Williams, in 1962 and together they moved to Austin to start a family. Her devotion to her children was unwavering, as she dedicated herself to providing them with a strong Christian foundation, nurturing their gifts, and guiding them on their life paths.

After moving to Austin, Mildred joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (Rev. J.J. Dixon) and later True Light Missionary Baptist Church, pastored by her brother-in-law, Revered J.R. Williams. She was the choir president and sang in the choir along with her four children for many years, while her oldest son played the piano. Mildred was a product of a singing family. Her mother, grandmother, and aunts sang together at different local churches and special programs. Later, Mildred joined Victory Christian Center, guided by Pastor Lee Boss. After remarrying in 1986, Mildred moved south of Austin becoming a member of Word of Life Faith Center led by Pastor James Jacobs. She continued growing in her faith and teaching the Word of our Lord and Savior.

Mildred's professional journey was marked by her dedication and compassion. She worked in the healthcare industry, including at Holy Cross Hospital, for many years. Later, she transitioned to special education, working at Travis State School and Hays Independent School District as a paraprofessional for special education elementary and middle school students. In her retirement, she provided unwavering care for her husband, Oliver Taylor, until his passing in October 2012.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lelia Rae and Ross Benford, Sr.; sister, Maggie Rae (Benford) Crayton; three brothers, Ross, Sr., James Roland, Audrey Louis; and grandson, Jairon Michael Godfrey. 

Mildred leaves to celebrate her legacy one sister, LaVern Marshall; four children, Keith Allen Williams, Paul Edwin Williams (Lisa), Deidre Rechel Smith (Desi) and Sonja Mechelle Smith (Charles); four grandsons, Joshua Ross Washington (wife Brandi), Desi Antoine Smith, II, Devan James Smith (Deidre and Desi), Xavier LeBron (Paul and Lisa); and two great-grandchildren, Kinsey Rayne and Kyrie Micah (Josh and Brandi); and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Family and Friends will gather for a Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home, on Tuesday, May 7th from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM.  A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 PM with Bishop James Jacobs and Elder Gillis Branch presiding.  Interment will be held at Central Texas State Veteran Cemetery in Killeen, Texas on Wednesday, May 8th at 11:00 AM.