Mildred Otis

Mildred Marjorie Otis was born to James Edward and Jenny helen (McDonald) Smith on June 3, 1920 in Knoxville, Iowa. She was the second child of sixteen; six girls and ten boys.



Mildred graduated from Ankeny High School and completed three years at Drake University. Her profession was sewing in factories as well as at home. She also was a foster care parent for over 30 years. Mildred also worked in the Des Moines Public School system.



In her own words Mildred joined the Baptist Church when she was 12 years old and was baptized the 'old fashioned way in the Des Moines River'. She joined Corinthian Baptist Chuch in 1946 and has been a member for over 66 years. Mildred was involved with the Sunday School, Prime Timers, Choir, Red Circle Girls, Nursery, YWCA Club and other auxilleries. She was also a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Princess Zorah #10, Socialite Queens and the Sisters Club. She was also a member of the Friends of the Library.



Mildred met the love of her life, Theodore Otis and they were married June 22, 1946 in Des Moines, Iowa.



Mildred enjoyed raising her sons and foster children, participating in PTA, Little League baseball, basketball and football. She was always on the go, attending various functions.



Mildred died Monday, July 9, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodor Otis; her daughter, Shirley Ann Jackson; her parents; James and Jenny Smith; her sisters, Mary E. Taylor and Wilma Lee Harden and brothers, Donald Smith, William Smith, Jessie Smith, Robert (Bobby) Smith, Frank (Lester) Smith, Ronald (Ronnie) Smith, James Smith, Paul Smith, Samuel Smith and grandson, Troy Otis.



Mildred is survived by her sons, Richard (Minnie) Otis, Sr. and Harold (Sara) Otis; sisters, Queen Victoria Anderson, Betty (Walt) Jones, Sr., Norma Smith and brother, Daniel (Genola) Smith. Also lef to cherish her wisdom are 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren along with a host of other relatives and friends.