Mildred Jean Cagle

Mildred Jean Brackin Cagle passed away peacefully on October 25, less than a week before her 92nd birthday. She spent her childhood around Mariana, Arkansas. Upon graduating as Valedictorian from Barton High School, she received a scholarship to college in Monticello, Arkansas where she graduated with a degree in Education. While in college, she met and married the love of her life, Louis Cagle. They lived in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Belleville, Illinois, and since 1970, Tyler, Texas.

She died of complications from two recent accidents. On August 16, Mildred lost control of her 4-wheeler and broke her back and fractured her ribs. Five weeks later, she fell and broke her hip. She could not recover from two surgeries in such a short time. She spent her last days under the comforting care of Hospice of East Texas Homeplace.

Mildred taught math, Chemistry, Physics, elementary school, and junior high during her long teaching career. Her teaching assignments in Tyler were at Austin Elementary School and Hogg Middle School.

Mildred and her husband moved from Tyler to the Redland community of Ben Wheeler and started ranching after they retired. Cows, dogs, and everything ranching became Mildred’s passion, while her family enjoyed the fruits of her labor in the kitchen. She made the best chocolate pies, lemon pies, pecan pies, pancakes, French toast, etc., so that her great-grandchildren came to know her as “Cookie.” No one could replicate her dishes because her recipe ingredients were measured in “handfuls and pinches.”

Mildred is survived by her husband, Louis Cagle, 96. They were married almost 73 years. Other survivors include their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Their children are Elaine Osteen and Ernie Cagle.

Elaine is married to Dale Osteen. Their children are daughter, Amy Gulley and son Jeffrey Osteen. Amy’s family includes husband, Michael Gulley, and children Micah and Maddox Howell. Jeffrey’s family includes, wife Toshie, and daughter Ally.

Ernest is married to Becky Cagle. Their children are sons Stephen and Christopher Cagle. Stephen’s family includes wife Carol Wilson, and sons Dylan and Ryan Cagle. Christopher’s family includes wife Sara Cagle and daughters Hailey and Ashley Cagle.

A graveside service will be held at Cathedral in the Pines Memorial Garden in Tyler on Thursday, October 28, at 3:00 p.m. under direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home, Tyler. Guests are invited to the home of Ernie and Becky Cagle after the burial.