Mildred Bazar, age 102, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 25, 2024, just five days shy of her 103rd birthday. She was born on September 30, 1921, in Groveton, TX, to the late Freeland White and Bertha Wright White. Mildred was the 7th of twelve children and was surprised to have lived the longest among all her siblings. When asked, she could recall each one of their names in perfect order: Irene Clark, Linnie Chapman, Ford White, Daisy Chapman, Hayden White, John Elvin White, Margurite Blalock, LaVerne Hodgkins, Lindy White, Freeland White Jr, and Rex White. She even remembered most of their birthdays!
Mildred was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hal John Bazar, her son, Ford Hal Bazar, daughter-in-law, Ann Bazar and son-in-law, Bill Bennett. She is survived by her two loving daughters, Sue Bennett and Kay Strickland (C.W.), as well as her cherished seven grandchildren, Stan Strickland, Suzanne Ham (Allen), Melissa Shaffer (Bobby), Jim Bennett (Candace), Hal Bazar (Christina), Amanda Bazar, and Jennifer Woods (Bret). Eleven great-grandchildren, Kristin and Sarah Shaffer, Hayden and Halle Ham, Brody Bennett (Gracie), Beau and Lanie Bennett, Hunter, Gunner and Gauge Bazar, and Nash Woods. One great-great granddaughter, Mary-Ann Bennett. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Mildred was known for her strong work ethic, but her true joy was her family. She loved cooking for her family and having them over to eat, always creating a warm and welcoming place for loved ones to gather. As the beloved matriarch, she was a pillar of strength, love, and support. She never met a stranger and was always ready to help anyone in need, sharing her love and kindness with everyone she encountered.
A trailblazer for her time, Mildred co-owned a dress shop called "The Fashion Shop" with her sister Linnie Chapman in Woodsboro, Texas during the 1950s and 60s. After retiring from the dress shop, she became actively involved in the American Cancer Society.
In 1975, Mildred and Hal relocated to Conroe where she enjoyed a successful career as an Avon representative, achieving the prestigious President’s Club and earning several trips. She also worked in real estate with her son, Ford, buying, renting, flipping, and selling homes. Well into her 90s, Mildred loved gardening, canning jelly, working in her yard and water aerobics.
Mildred and Hal were active members of First Baptist Church of Conroe. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years and later became a devoted member of the church’s senior group, Live Wires. She always enjoyed having her family join her at the Live Wires lunches held each week. Her deep love for the Lord was evident throughout her life, and she was always ready to share her faith with others.
Mildred’s family will receive visitors on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at Cashner Funeral Home in Conroe, beginning at 9:00 a.m. A service will follow at 10:00 a.m., with a family reception to be held at 12:00 p.m. The graveside service will take place at Bennett Cemetery in Groveton, TX, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mildred's memory to First Baptist Church of Conroe. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Royal Palms Senior Living and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care.
Mildred’s warmth, generosity, and faith touched the lives of many. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.
