Mildred Garrison

Mildred Helene Garrison, age 89, of Bible Grove, Illinois, passed away at 6:26 pm, Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Axiom Healthcare of Flora.

Mildred was born on January 10, 1936, in Bible Grove, the daughter of King E. and Esther (Dueker) Anderson. She was united in marriage to Lowell Bruce Garrison on April 10, 1955, at the St. Paul's United Church of Christ, and they shared 61 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on July 13, 2016.

Mildred had a distinguished career as a bookkeeper for many years with the Effingham School District Unit 40. Her meticulous nature and dedication to her role were evident throughout her time there. Beyond her professional pursuits, she embraced her life as a farm wife, supporting her husband, Bruce, on the farm while also nurturing their family. The balance she maintained between work and home life was a testament to her strong character and commitment.

A lover of music, Mildred's talents shone brightly as she played the organ for her church on Sundays and during funerals for over 50 years. Her musical gifts brought comfort and joy to many, reflecting her compassionate spirit and deep sense of community. As a long-time 4-H leader, she shared her knowledge and passions with younger generations, fostering their growth and encouraging their interests.

In her later years, Mildred found joy in quilting, creating beautiful pieces that will be cherished by her family and friends. Her culinary skills were renowned; she was an excellent cook who took pride in preparing family meals and delivering them to the field during busy farming days. Her love for living on the farm and contributing in any way she could remains a cherished aspect of her memory. Mildred was a lifelong member of the St. Paul's United Church of Christ.

Mildred is survived by her children: Norman (Brenda) Garrison of Louisville, Lavonne (Philip) Kemmerer of Louisville, Charlotte Tolliver of Louisville, Brian (Cheryl) Garrison of Bible Grove; 7 grandchildren: Rachel Denton, Weston Kemmerer, Brandon Bible, Austin Kemmerer, Courtney Zacha, Levi Garrison, Hannah Forth; 7 great-grandchildren: Kaylee Denton, Jacob Kemmerer, Olivia Zacha, Allison Kemmerer, Landon Zacha, Brandon Bible, Jr. Tatum Forth; 1 step-great-granddaughter: Sophia Granger; a sister: Irene Winka of Flora.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her father and mother-in-law: Sherman and Stella Garrison; brother-in-law: Ray Winka; brother and sister-in-law: Robert and Kathleen Trago.

Funeral services to celebrate Mildred's life will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the St. Paul's United Church of Christ rural Bible Grove, with Pastors Ken Albrecht and Tim Silence officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday evening at the McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, and then on Tuesday morning at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mildred's memory to the American Heart Association.

The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is honored to be entrusted with the family's care and the arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or to share a memory or story of Mildred, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.