Mildred Ione Craven

Mildred Ione Craven, 85, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, left her earthly home December 4, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Booneville, Mississippi. Mildred, known to many as Onie, Millie, or Nannan, was the daughter of Emma Leah and Bynum Smith of Booneville, Mississippi. She was born in Prentiss County on May 12, 1938. Mille was a 1956 graduate of Thrasher High School where she graduated as the Secretary of her class. Meeting up with former classmates at reunions was always something she looked forward to doing. Millie also had a deep love for traveling. Shortly after graduating, Millie met Robert “Bob” Craven and the two were married on June 27, 1956. Because of his military service, they moved to Germany and spent several years there. Millie would often reflect on those years as some of her most favorite times. Eventually the two made their way to Mississippi and next to her dad’s home is where Millie lived most of her life. It was at this homestead she became a mother to Ray and a grandmother to many. Her days were filled with work at the Rienzi Telephone Company, but her nights were spent doing what she really loved: spending time with her family. Millie loved to cook their favorite meals, give bubble baths, and read bedtime stories. She even catered to each grandchild individually by zeroing in on each of their likings and intentionally doing little things just for them. As the years passed, Millie retired from work, but she carried on with her personal interests. From attending church, church meetings, dances and ball games, she rarely missed an event. She drove many a mile to watch her grandchildren and their activities. Millie would sew for the grandkids and herself, cross-stitch, quilt, paint, and can from her garden. If it was creative, she had a hand in it. Perhaps Mildred’s most notable feature was her tender smile. She greeted everyone with it and rarely met a stranger. Her love flowed over to others, and it never wavered. Through all of Bob’s sickness, she proudly cared for him. Millie’s selflessness was evident all of her days. In 2009, Millie became sick with encephalitis. From that moment, her life changed dramatically. The roles in the family also changed along with it and instead of her being the giver, she became the receiver. Millie was never able to fully regain her independence and ultimately moved into The Landmark Assisted Living Home in Booneville. She recanted memories to her new friends of her family and how she missed her husband. She told of her son and grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. When recently asked what she was thankful for she simply replied, my family. Mildred is survived by her loving son Raymond “Ray” Craven (Tonya) of Plummerville, Arkansas. Millie’s grandchildren include: Dr. Penny Craven of North Dakota, Heather Craven of Arkansas, Raymond Craven, II (Monica) of Baldwyn, Mississippi, Nick (Alysha) of Kennewick, Washington, Brandi Patten (Bart) of Jumpertown, Tiffany Craven of Arkansas, and Richard (Jenny) of Plummerville, Arkansas. She leaves behind her great grandchildren: Rufus, Nicholas, Elijah, Martha Paige, and Thomas Ward, Kenleigh Patten, Kailie Lott, Trey, Carter, Caroline, Leo, Cole, Piper, Abbie, Christian, Colby, Richard, Jr., Carson, Clementine, and her namesake, Amelia “Millie” Craven.Great-great grandchild, Scarlet Ward. Her sisters Mary Dean Pollard, Margaret (Ira) Kennedy, Joyce (Jimmy) Burcham, Judith Saylors, Bonnie (Devin) Ruesch, and sister-in-law, Myrtle Smith. Mildred is preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Craven, her parents Emma Leah and Bynum Smith, her brothers John David Smith and Bobby Marion Smith. Services will be at 1:00 PM Friday, December 8, 2023, at Booneville Funeral Home with Bishop Carl Dewitt, Bro. Wayne Smith, and Bro. Ray Craven officiating. Visitation will be Thursday night from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Old Mormon Cemetery. Booneville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers will be Nick Craven, Richard Craven, Jeff Burcham, Anthony Burcham, Corey Saylors, Jared Saylors, Ben Ruesch, and Jacob Ruesch. Honorary pallbearers will be Rufus Ward, Elijah Ward, Thomas Ward, Trey Craven, Carter Craven, Christian Craven, Colby Craven, Brian Saylors, Chris Burcham, Bill Ruesch, and Dalyon Ruesch. A special thanks to everyone who has stepped in and helped with Nannan during her time of need.

Mildred Ione Craven

May 12, 1938 - December 4, 2023

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Mildred Ione Craven

May 12, 1938 - December 4, 2023

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