Mildred Louise Kendrick Rodefer

May 30, 1928 - November 20, 2020

Mildred Louise (Granny Mil) Kendrick Rodefer, age 92, of Blountville, TN received her “Angel Wings” on Friday, November 20, 2020 at her daughter’s, Cindy and husband, Anthony’s home. She was born on May 30, 1928, the only child of Bob and Bessie (Tallman) Kendrick. She attended both Cross School and Cross United Methodist Church in her early years. She loved to play basketball, hangout with her schoolmates and her cousins. Her parents would take her to work with them on the area farms. She would play with other children and as she grew older would work alongside of her parents. Her first job was at Park Belk, Blountville Hardware and Grocery, Perry Cox and last was for longtime friend, Fred Cox at his Auto Repair. She was a caregiver and friend to many. She loved to visit others and when her health declined, missed seeing them. She was very grateful to those who would send her cards, call or visit over the years. She loved to read her Bible, devotionals, newspapers and do word search. Since she was unable to attend church, she would watch Charles Stanley and Charles Brooks. She was a Prayer Warrior with an enormous prayer list. She also enjoyed watching NCIS, Heartland, Chicago Fire and Westerns. Her favorite basketball teams were the Lady Vols, and the men’s Tar Heels. She attended the first race at Bristol Speedway and her all-time favorite driver was Richard Petty. She also liked Harry Gant and D.W. She met her husband, H.R. at a local social, while he was on furlough from the U.S. Marine Corp during WWII. Upon his discharge, they were married on March 22, 1946 at Immanuel Lutheran Parsonage. They discovered their love for music and started serving the Lord by singing in local churches, radio and funerals. During this time, they sung with Rev. Richard Hale and J.D. Bowery and also enjoyed singing with other family members and then their daughters, Patty and Cindy. Mildred had the most beautiful Alto voice that anyone had ever heard. Now the Heavens Choir has a beautiful addition. Granny Mil was also preceded in death by her husband, H.R. (Rodie) Rodefer; daughter, Priscilla (Patty) Mitchell; two infant children; several aunts, uncles, cousins, father and mother- in- law, Herman and Nettie Mae (Salyers) Rodefer; brother and sisters-in-laws and a host of many friends. Survivors include her daughter, Cindy Edwards and husband, Anthony; son-in-law, Gerald Mitchell; grandsons, Jerry Mitchell and wife, Traci and Robert Mitchell; great-granddaughters, Victoria Simpson and husband, Zak and Taylor Mitchell; special sons, Anthony Edwards; Ronnie Minnick and wife, Patty and John Maden and wife, Karen; sisters-in-law, Elsie Shaffer and Edith Benfield; special young friends, Jayden, Adam, Amanda, Ava Grace, Danny C., Jared and Matthew; host of cousins and friends including her special friends: Carol Edwards, Ida Mae Elam and family, Helen Thomas, Darlene Booher, Dianna Buchanan, Deloris Collins, Virginia Hutton, Mary and Gary Winegar, Brenda and Willard Hickman, Kat Carrier, Jim Bibee, Cora Trent, Lynn and Betty Steadman, Ava Dresser, Bob and Norma Smith, Bill Sanders, Joe and Bonnie Hobbs, The Clark Family, Lena Ferguson, The Cross Family, Shirley Ferguson and family and the Earhart Family; her caregivers: JESUS, Dr. Charles Bolick, Dianne Jobe, Kim King, Hazel Salama, Judy Pope, Peggy Hall, Leann and employees of CVS West State Street. Her caregivers: JESUS, Dr. Charles Bolick, Dianne Jobe, Kim King, Hazel Salama, Judy Pope, Peggy Hale, Leann and employees of CVS West State Street. A special thank you to all that prayed for her over the years. A celebration of life and interment was held on November 23, 2020 at Glenwood Cemetery with Pastor Charles Brooks officiating. “Precious Memories” was beautifully sung by Joe and Bonnie Hobbs. Memorials may be sent to Charity Baptist Church, Children Ministry, P.O. Box 210 Blountville, TN 37617; Adams Chapel Food Bank, c/o Traci Mitchell, 348 Carol Hill Dr., Blountville, TN 37617; Children’s Advocacy Center of Sullivan Co., P.O. Box 867, Blountville, TN 37617 or a charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at akardfuneralhome.com Akard Funeral Home, (423) 989-4800 is serving the Rodefer family. Graveside Comments: Momma loved her family and was proud of each of us. On behalf of my family and myself, we were very blessed to have had Granny Mil in our lives. As you listen to her Celebration of Life, I want to say I am sorry for the names I left out while I was speaking. Some will think I took a long time to get momma’s memorial published but be sure to listen closely to the words that were spoken by Pastor Charles and myself. I could never express in words what my heart feels for Jesus, my husband, Anthony, or my dear Momma. I am eternally grateful and Love each of you! Be sure to note the tree of life in the photo tribute! The sky or as I say “Heaven” appeared on this tree in our hallway on the afternoon of November 18, 2020. God’s Amazing Love.