Mildred Danforth Sigmune's Obituary
MILDRED DANFORTH SIGMUND
Former Longview resident Mildred Danforth Sigmund passed away in Gunter, TX on May 7, 2009. She was born in Clanton, Alabama on July 26, 1910. She moved to Longview with her parents and younger siblings in 1931. Although most of her life was spent in TX, she never lost her love for Alabama and was a true "Southern Belle." Mildred was the 3rd of 5 children born to Edward Wesley & Addie Cole Danforth who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her siblings; Kenneth Cole Danforth, Sr., Erin Danforth Strain; Janice Danforth Cameron and Wesley J. Danforth.
On May 5, 1938, Mildred married the love of her life, prominent Longview businessman Leslie E. Sigmund in Longview. Les died on March 16, 1949 following a brief battle with cancer. For many years Mildred enjoyed a career in fashion sales with Riff's in Longview, and retired in 1978 having achieved more than 25 years tenure prior to retirement.
Mildred was a member of the Sanctuary Choir at First Baptist Church in Longview for many years and assisted in the children's education department. She had a great love for the Lord, beautiful flowers, Red Birds, little children and music she began to study organ with her dear friend, Erna Werner, in 1969. She was more than an aunt to her nephews and nieces, and took great pride in their accomplishments.
In 1999, Mildred moved to Waco to be near her niece Janet and in early 2000, due to declining health, Mildred moved to Christian Care Center, Hilltop Haven in Gunter, TX, to be nearer her nephew, Mike and wife Carol. During Mildred's years at Hilltop Haven, she made many new friends, continued to correspond with her East TX friends, and was always excited to have visitors, especially those with young children.
Mildred is survived by friends and the following nieces and nephews: Kenneth Cole Danforth, Jr. and wife Ute of Arlington, VA; Janice Sue Strain White and husband Bill of Ruckersville, VA; Diann Cameron Holland of Waco, TX; Janet Cameron Vaughan and husband Val of Waco, TX; and Wesley Michael Danforth and wife Carol of Plano, TX. She is also survived by the following great-nieces and nephews and their families: Roger White of Sevierville, TN; Janice Daschbach of Charlottesville, VA; Melanie Siteki of Alexandria, VA; Caroline Hutchison of Washington, DC; and Colin Danforth of Arlington, Va.; Hayle Holland and Mark Holland of CA; Cole Danforth of Norristown, PA; Vance Vaughan of Plano, TX; Jennifer Vaughan and daughter Savannah of Waco, TX.
The family will have a private graveside service at Memory Park on Saturday, May 9, 2009 to be immediately followed by a brief memorial service at Memory Park Mausoleum Chapel at 12 noon for friends and family.
Memorials may be made to Christian Care Center, Hilltop Haven, Box 39, Gunter, TX 75058; Visiting Nurse Assoc., 1440 W. Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75247; First Baptist Church, 209 E. South Street, Longview, TX 75601; or the charity of your choice.
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