Mildred Grear's Obituary
Mildred Grear, the legendary Grandma Texas, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2019 after 93 years of living large, most recently as one of the greatest grandmas in the world. She was born on February 27, 1926 in Birmingham, Alabama but grew up in Galveston, Texas where she met the late Edward Grear who was to become her husband of 53 years. He and Grandma Texas lived in different cities in Texas for most of their lives, settling in Temple. She was always a thrifty, vibrant worker and became a legal secretary in high demand to start many a hotshot new lawyer’s office. Well after retirement age, she worked as an executive secretary for McLane Company in Temple.
She raised a family of 5 children without missing a beat or performance. Her lifelong love of learning and music was transferred to all her offspring and their children. For the last 24 years she lived in Fayetteville, Arkansas where she solidified her role as Grandma Texas. She was always available to her grandkids and all their friends - from an attentive, caring listener to the provider of bacon and milkshakes for breakfast. She never missed a grandchild’s activity in freezing rain or 1000 miles away or at 120 decibel rock concerts. This role did not prevent her from volunteering in NW Arkansas. She spent many years working for Habitat for Humanity in Fayetteville and became an integral part of the team. Later, she volunteered at Willard Walker Hospice. She was an active bridge player, beloved by her long-term bridge group, and was still attending courses in her 90’s. Around Fayetteville, she was famous for her blue VW bug decorated by her grandchildren with bright flowers and a peace sign often speeding along at 20 mph.
Grandma Texas’ love for children was effusive and undeniable, but she was really a lover of all people and all living things. She will be missed greatly by her surviving children Mark(Donna), William, Tim(Danna), Nancy(Chris), and Treese(John); her grandchildren Molly(Ben), Kohlton(Andi), Daniel, Rebekah, Matthew, and Jack; and her great grandchild Silas. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward S. Grear, her parents James and Alma Gardner, and her brothers James and Bobby.
A celebration of life will be held at Sequoyah United Methodist Church at 2 PM on Sunday, September 8.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Theatre Squared, 505 W Spring Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701.
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