Mildred Louise Hudson Brent, a generous, and gracious southern lady, died peacefully on December 28, 2016, at Godfrey House, Berryville, Virginia, with caring staff and her favorite son-in-law by her side.    Funeral services and burial are scheduled for Saturday, January 21 at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas.  Private burial to follow.   Survivors include her three children, Dr. James H. Brent and daughter- in-law Diane, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Ralph Price Brent and daughter-in-law Sandy, of Magnolia Springs, Texas; and Julia Brent Platt Stewart and son-in-law Fred, of Sterling, Virginia; sister-in-law Wanda Hudson of El Dorado, Arkansas; three granddaughters, three grandsons and seven great grandsons and three great granddaughters; as well as two nieces, one nephew and their families and many friends.   Mildred is predeceased by her husband, her parents, her sisters and her brother.

Mildred was born April 27, 1919 in Prescott, Arkansas, a daughter of Nathan Miles Burns Hudson and Virginia Anne Patrick.   Mildred grew up in a loving, Christian home in Norphlet, Arkansas with two older sisters, Lois Natalie, and Mamie Marguerite, and an adored younger brother, Nathan Patrick ‘Bud’ Hudson.  She graduated from high school in May 1937, having served as class officer, and accumulated consistent awards for honor roll, girls’ chorus and state debate team honors. Upon graduation, she enrolled in Miss McKay’s Secretarial School in Norphlet.

Mildred’s life changed forever when James Martin Brent, an older, handsome, dark-haired, blue-eyed Mississippian arrived to work for Gulf Refining Company in the Norphlet/Smackover oilfields.  Mildred, 19 and James, 31, were married September 15, 1938 in by Rev. H.M. Geren.

They would ultimately move to Texas where they built a life together and raised their family, which would come to include two sons, and a daughter.  The family settled near Orangefield, in the mid 1950’s.  Mildred and James were both active parents and encouraged their children’s education; Mildred served as PTA president, officer in the band booster club and together they rarely missed a performance or event involving their children.

With one son in college and another son soon to enroll, Mildred learned to drive and in 1961 began her 27 year career at Beall’s Department store in Vidor, Texas and again excelled, winning countless sales awards.

James would die too soon in 1973 from cancer leaving Mildred to chart the next 44 years of her life alone.  She persevered by continuing to work, surrounded by love and support from her family, many friends and secure in her faith.  Mildred faithfully attended First Baptist Church of Orangefield, always ready with a prayer, a casserole, a cake, or whatever for those in need.  As a member of the Texas Association of Hospital Auxiliaries Mildred amassed more than 5,000 hours of volunteer service.

At the age of 85, Mildred decided it was time to move to Virginia to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She enjoyed her years in Virginia, reconnecting with her two grown grandsons and living with family.  As her health and mobility declined Mildred moved to an assisted living facility and was lovingly cared for by the staff and her family.

Mildred is once again home in Texas.   She leaves those who loved her and whom she loved with the treasure of wonderful times together, meals shared, and memories of her laughter and love.