Mildred Grady Smith of Lakeland, Florida, 99 years old, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Good Shepherd Hospice. She was born in Doylestown, Ohio, on Easter Sunday, April 12, 1925, to Carmon F. and Elizabeth (Glossen) Heller.

Mildred (Millie) and family came to Lakeland in 1965 where she was catalog manager of Montgomery Wards. Due to World War II, she never followed her dream of becoming a nurse but did become a Certified Nursing Assistant and cared for many residents in their homes. Her enjoyment of life was ballroom dancing, which she did until her late 80s.

Millie was past President of American Legion Post 4 auxiliary both District and Central Florida. She was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church and St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choirs for many years.

Proceeded in death by her parents, husbands, and four sisters, Mildred was survived by her four children, Kathleen Schuck (Geoffrey), Michael McGuire (Lois), Marilyn Pierce Aurand and James Grady (Jan), 7 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held November 14 at Gentry Morrison South at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Care Team Ministry at St Paul Lutheran Church or Good Shepherd Hospice both of Lakeland Florida.