Mildred Millie Stevens

Mildred Stevens, whom everyone called "Mimi," passed away at age 96 on July 12, 2023, after a brief illness following a fall. Born in Columbia, SC on August 13, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Bartley William Franklin and Matilda Jackson Franklin.

She and her husband Willie were parents to two daughters and a son, grandparents to 6, and great-grandparents to 12. She dedicated herself to running the home and raising her children until they were ready to go off to a boarding academy, after which needing more income to pay for their tuition, she started a driver training school business which she operated for 36 years in the Columbia, SC area. The Stevens were noted for their hospitality at home and at their lake property and for their cooking on campouts for the Columbia Pathfinder club.

Mildred, “Millie”, became a driver-training instructor and started her own business, ABC Driver Training School, which she and her husband, Willie, owned and operated for 36 years. She was a devoted member of the Columbia First Seventh-day Adventist Church and actively participated in various church activities including cooking for many years on camping trips for the youth in the Pathfinder Club.

She is survived by her children, Linda (Eddie) Neal of Lenoir City, TN, Dan (Richa) Stevens of Kettering, Ohio and Susan Bennett of Lexington, SC. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Toni (Sean) McElroy, Tara (Mike) Hoskins, Will Joel (Rebecca Sherman) Stevens, Joshua Stevens, Robyn (Aaron) Ekholm, Amanda (Michael) Early and great grandchildren, Hunter, Britton (Ben), Holden, Blake, Malone, Drew, Brendan, Will, Cade, Jesse, Booker and Bear.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Willie Gray Stevens; brothers, Gene and Alonzo Franklin; sister, Rachel Lee; and son-in-law, Carlton Bennett.

She also had many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. Her friends and neighbors meant so much to her and were often invited to come to her house and play cards.

A visitation for Mildred will be held Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:45 PM at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home - West Columbia Chapel, 820 West Dunbar Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM.

The family wants to give a special thanks to Gail Corbin for her care and beautiful nightly prayers that she had with our mom. We also want to thank Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate and caring services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sanctuary Building Fund of the Columbia First Seventh-day Adventist Church, 243 Riverchase Way, Lexington, SC 29072.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmansouthland.com for the Stevens family.