Mildred H. Dishongh, 95, joined hands with her Lord and Savior on July 18, 2008, at Baptist Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Mildred was born on January 11,1913, in Des Arc, Arkansas to Tillie Flynn Huddleston and Robert Roscoe Huddleston. She graduated from Scott High School in Scott, AR. She then attended Draughns School of Business in Little Rock, AR. She met and married Basil Gill Dishongh, Sr. in Dumas, AR on July 6, 1935; they were devoted to one another for 62 years until his death in 1997. After Gill, Jr. was born in December, 1940, the family moved to Dothan, Al, where Gill, Sr. was stationed at Napier Field and employed by the Corps of Engineers. During that time, they attended First Baptist Church. After WWII, when Gill, Sr. was transferred to Fort Benning, GA, they family resided in Columbus, Ga and were active members of Wynnton Baptist Church. The family grew with the birth of their son Randy in December, 1949. They started Valley Construction Company in 1954 in Columbus, GA, specializing in Corps of Engineers construction and relocated to Columbus, MS in 1957, when CAFB was reactivated. She was a vital part of Mr. Ds business operations and served as bookkeeper and office manager until 1990. Mildred was known for her love and service to her church, family and community, She was a faithful, long-term member of First Baptist Church and, at the time of her death, was their second oldest member. For many years she was the Director of the Intermediate II Youth Sunday School Department and served in active roles in WMU and RAs, and was a longtime member of the Eloise Crossley Sunday School Class. As a member of the sanctuary Decorating Committee, she spearheaded refurnishing the church parlor and arranging ongoing floral decorations for the glory of the Lord. Her love of flowers extended to her hobbies of gardening, and she was especially proud of her expansive rose gardens. Her skill at floral arranging was widely recognized and enjoyed by many because of her generous donation of time and energies toward community organizations and social functions. She was a long time member of the Galaxy Garden Club and served as President for several terms. She was also a State and National Life Member of the Garden Club Association. As part of her appreciation for music, she was a long term member of the Columbus Music Study Club. She is preceded in death by her husband, Basil G. Dishongh, Sr., and brother, Langford R. Huddleston. She is survived by her sons, Gill Dishongh, Jr. (Anne) of Columbus, and Dr. Randy Dishongh (Cindy) of Jackson, MS; grandchildren, Gill Dishongh, III (Phyliss) and Gavin Dishongh of Columbus, MS; Julianne Dishongh, Altanta, GA; great-grandchildren, Mary Grace, Nicole and Emmett Dishongh, all of Columbus. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Dr. James Woodard and the staff of Trinity Place for their care and support. A deep appreciation goes to Mary Peek for her loving care and companionship. Visitation with the family will be Sunday, July 20 at 2:00 pm in the church parlor of First Baptist Church, with services following at 3:00 pm, Dr. Shawn Parker officiating. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery. Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers include Gill Dishongh III, Gavin Dishongh, Arthur Hairston, Mike Perkerson, Dr. James Gatewood and Mike Stone. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Clark Bozeman, Paul Cockrell, Hunter Gholson, Jack Carr, Ned Hardin, and the Eloise Crossley Sunday School Class. Memorials may be sent to the First Baptist Church, PO Box 829, Columbus, MS 39703, designated to the Because He Lives Building Fund.
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