of Jonesboro, AR

January 24, 1927 - May 22, 2022

Mildred Catherine Gerdes, 95, of Jonesboro, returned to the Lord and her beloved family on Sunday, May 22, 2022. She was born near Lafe, AR on January 24, 1927, to James Claiborne Stephens and Nancy Belle Beaton. She was a 1955 graduate of Arkansas State University and served as a teacher (and amateur dentist) at Bono Elementary for 30 years. She was an active member of Fisher Street United Methodist Church for all her adult life.
She married Edward Grayson Gerdes on August 20, 1948, a marriage which lasted 55 years until his death. She enjoyed homemaking, fishing, genealogy, her church family and students. She loved to travel with relatives, culminating in a triumphant 1989 Holy Land trip. She was a fierce prayer warrior and she was always glad to see you.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brothers, James Carl, Vernon, Thelbert and Eugene; sisters, Arlene Ragle, Iva Jamison, Alma White, Wanda Gatewood Hardin, Velma Smith and Loretta Smith; and a special sister-in-law, Melva O'Neal.
She leaves behind a son, Randal (Charlotte Bowers) of Jonesboro and their children, Christie and Greg; and son, Mark (Toni Barnhill) of Conway and their children, Cheyenne and Jim. She leaves her beloved great-grandchildren, Phillip Gerdes, Ben Luper, Hannah Luper, Mollie Gerdes and Grayson Gerdes, as well as a great-great grandson, Keenan Luper; a sister-in-law, Lorene Hoelscher Stephens; brother-in-law, Buddy Smith; close friend, Linda Roberts and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends close to her heart.
She was blessed by caring neighbors, Alvin Green, Tim and Kim Groom, Doris Holladay and others. Special gratitude to the caregivers, Christie Gerdes, Andy White, Judy White, Greg Gerdes, Brandy Gerdes, Tammy King and the wonderful
people of Elite Hospice.
Chapel services will be 2 pm Thursday at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home, 1900 West Washington Avenue in Jonesboro with Rev. Jim Markley officiating.
Burial will be private. The family requests casual attire be worn.
Visitation will precede the service beginning at 1 pm.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home
1900 West Washington Ave.
Jonesboro, AR  72401
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com