The Century Mark, May 1, 2011

There's nothing more special
or dear to the heart
than the feelings of love
that a family shares.

Hello Family and Friends,

Today is a day of remembering the life of Mildred Beck Davis who passed away back in January in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. She was born May 1, 1911, which means that today would have been her 100th birthday. At the time of her death she was the oldest living member of the family of my grandmother Bura (Davis) Shepard.

The first picture shows Mildred in a picture taken in 2009. The second picture shows Mildred (front center) with the six children of her and Jesse Davis: Nordeen, Jessie, Charlotte, Bud, Becky and Kathryn.  

From her daughter Charlotte: Mom's birthday has floated through my mind a few times lately. I think of how proud she would have been to have made the 100th mark. But I remember that in her mind she had already made it. She would proudly proclaim that "You know I'm 100"!  

I know she would have been em- barrassed by all the fuss we would have made. So maybe she enjoyed the "celebration of her life" more since she could watch "from a distance".  May 1 will be a time for remembering, for smiling as we remember her quick wit, and thankfulness that we had her with us for almost 100 years.

From her son Bud: There is more than an empty feeling that we will not gather this year in person on her hundredth birthday …only in our memories. Empty because we no longer have a mother to love and hug on her birthday and on Mother’s Day. We miss you dearly, Mother.  

Since Mom loved her garden so much, near the garden seemed the best place for her tribute. We built a trellis in our garden area and had a plaque made with the inscription, "Mildred Davis, 1911- 2011" (see picture).  

We continue to honor her for her unselfish love, her grounding in the Bible, and her life lessons. Every day we hear her speaking to us: don’t get too big for your britches… dress modestly… pretty is as pretty does… you can do anything you set your mind to do. We know she is in a better place, one without pain or sorrow and we let her go because it is best for her. One final lesson from her would be: love and cherish family members as often as you can. We love you all.

I am sure I speak for all our family when I say our prayers and best wishes continue to be with all of Mildred's family on this special occasion of remembering and moving forward.
- - -
Steve

Shepard Family Reunion
Aug 13, 2011
Anacortes, Washington