Jean Shepherd Waddell Mildner

Jean Shepherd Waddell Mildner, 98, peacefully passed away 6 May 2017, in Columbus, Georgia.  Born 21 June 1918 in Moundsville, West Virginia, she was the seventh child of Gatan and Jeannie Shepherd  Waddell.

Jean graduated Wellsburg High School in Wellsburg, West Virginia, and attended West Liberty Teachers College, and Elliott Business School in Wheeling, West Virginia.  For most of her life, she was a homemaker.  She became a permanent resident of Columbus in 1964.

She became an Army wife when she married 1LT Russell E. Mildner on 26 Feb 1943, a role she readily embraced.  She loved traveling and meeting people from all walks of life.   Always a joiner, she was active in the Order of Eastern Star, various Officers’ Wives Clubs; Red Cross; Columbus Cystic Fibrosis Chapter and, being very proud of her Scottish background, the Columbus Scottish Club.  Jean was a very social, outgoing person and more than happy to lend a hand to her friends.  She left her family with many wonderful memories.

A lifelong Presbyterian, she maintained her membership in the Wellsburg Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her sister, Lillian Brown of Bethel Park, PA; children:  Jeannie (Carl) Holland, Chesterfield, Virginia; Russell E. Mildner, Jr., at home; Delores (Charles) Caskey, Fortson, Georgia; and Douglas (Michelle) Mildner, Woodstock, Georgia.  Also surviving are numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, a grandson; nine sisters and brothers, and her parents.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Columbus Hospice, Columbus, Georgia, will be appreciated.   

The family will receive visitors 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., 14 May 2017, at the Vance-Brooks Funeral Home, 4048 Macon Road in Columbus.  A memorial service will begin at 4:00 P.M. EST with the Reverend Stephanie Boaz officiating.