First Posted: 12/3/2013

Mildred Hefner

SPRUCE PINE — Mildred Young Hefner, of Spruce Pine, passed away Nov. 19, 2012, at her home surrounded with love and her daughter and grand dogs, Fudgie and Spencer, by her side.

A memorial for Mrs. Hefner will be 6 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church of Spruce Pine.

She was born on Arbuckle in Yancey County on June 3, 1927, to the late Horace and Ethel Howell Young.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, the Rev. Olin D. Hefner; and a special sister-in-law, Georgie Henline.

Mildred was a graduate of Harris High School and a member of the Beta Club. She married Olin D. Hefner on Nov. 2, 1945, and she worked to put her husband through school at N.C. State University and received the “Putting Hubby Through Diploma.” She was a devoted mother and homemaker. She served faithfully beside Olin in all of his ministries. Served as mentor, teacher to many in Sunday School, Training Union, Baptist Young Women and sang in the choir. She directed numerous weddings. Her biggest joy and hardest jobs were taking care of Olin and Gwen.

Mrs. Hefner is survived by her daughter, Gwen Hawley and spouse, Mike; her stepdaughter, Brie Hawley; a special friend, Judy Greer Hensley; and other friends and cousins, nieces, nephews, and caregivers, Pat Helms, Amy Ayers, Robin Bennett, Megan Bennett, Sandy Woody, and Crystal Vaughn.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be mailed to: Mitchell County Hospice, First Baptist Church of Spruce Pine, MANNA Food Bank, Salvation Army, Western Carolina Ministries or the charity of your choice.

Words of comfort may be e-mailed to the family by going to our website at www.webbfh.com., selecting Mrs. Hefners’ name and then you may sign her guestbook. Webb Funeral Home in Spruce Pine, N.C., is assisting the Hefner family.