Mildred Irene (Tillery) Clark passed away unexpectedly the early afternoon of September 1st at Tennova Hospital. She resided in Powell, Tennessee and was 84 years of age.  She is survived by her children Cathy Brady (Darrell), Christy French (Steve), Mike Tillery (Johnnita), Cyndi Hodges (Michael), and Charlie Tillery (Jennie), along with Karen Beeler Tillery, whom she thought of as a daughter.  Mildred had six grandchildren, Matt Tillery (Christina), Andy Tillery (Megan), Jonathan French, Meghann French Parrilla (Roberto), William Brady (Jessica) and Robert Brady, along with seven great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Gabriel Parrilla, Molly, Mason, Melody and Michael Tillery, and Cecilia Brady.  She is survived by two siblings, Ruth Jones and Luther Akins, and is preceded in death by her parents Josephine and Charles Akins, and siblings Houston Akins and Henrietta Watts.

Mildred was born on a farm in Louisville, Tennessee in the same house in which her mother was born. She worked hard most of her life and raised five children, instilling in them her same independent spirit. She worked as a bookkeeper at Robert Shaw until retirement, at which time, she worked as a bookkeeper for C&S Forklift and later in retail sales at Target. She was well loved by all her children and grandchildren, and taught her children the importance of reading via her own actions, as she would rise before dawn each morning to read before the start of the day, and each week would take her five rambunctious kids to the library, even when they had to walk. She was always there for her children and each knew they could rely on her at any time. If called upon, she would act without hesitation and avail herself for any need or event. She was an inspiration to those who knew and loved her and constantly had an encouraging word or praise to give. Never judgmental, she always had a kind word to say to those around her and had a positive outlook on life, greeting everyone she met with a smile. She had a plethora of humorous Southern sayings she would use at times which evoked much laughter. Along with reading, she enjoyed working crossword and word puzzles. An avid gardener, her flowerbeds were the most vibrant and colorful of those around. She was an energetic woman who mowed her own yard until her 80s and kept an immaculate house. Her organizational skills and attention to detail were exemplified in her meticulous record keeping and exceptional work as a bookkeeper. She was friend to a family of feral cats, which she fed and cared for. An exceptional woman who was strong, independent, and private, she evoked much love from those around her and would always send family and friends off with a kiss and hug and "I love you." She will be severely missed.

The family will receive friends at Woodhaven Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 160 Edgemoor Road, Powell, TN, on Tuesday, September 4 ^th , from 6-8 pm, after which a funeral service will be held at 8pm. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, September 5 ^th , at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Woodhaven Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens are honored to serve the Mildred Clark family.