Mildred Ilene Welch Workman

Mildred Ilene Welch Workman was born on July 25, 1938, in a modest three-room home in the Denver Community of Montague County, Texas, to John Orville Welch and Dora Mae Birdwell Welch. Surrounded by the love of her family and sustained by her unwavering faith, she entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on August 18th, 2026, at the age of 88.

Funeral Service is at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22nd, at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport with burial at Chico Cemetery. Family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

As the oldest of three children, Mildred embraced the role of loving big sister to her brothers, Orville Odell Welch and John Keith Welch. She attended Forestburg Elementary School and graduated from Bowie High School with the Class of 1956.

At the age of sixteen, while attending Central Baptist Church in Bowie, Mildred accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. From that day forward, her faith became the cornerstone of her life. She loved the Lord with all her heart and faithfully served Him throughout her life. Whether through worship, prayer, teaching, or simply living out her Christian values, Mildred's example reflected God's love to everyone around her.

On June 1, 1956, Mildred married the love of her life, Finis Merrell Workman of Chico. Together, they began their married life in Fort Worth, where Finis worked. After renting an apartment, they purchased a home in White Settlement, Texas, where they welcomed their first child. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Trena Gay, Karen Renae, David Ray, and Terry Jay.

In 1965, when Finis's father, Green Workman, became seriously ill, Mildred and Finis made the loving decision to return to Chico to care for him. They moved back to the family homestead, where they devoted themselves not only to caring for family but also to raising their four children in a home filled with faith, hard work, laughter, and love.

Being a wife, mother, and homemaker was Mildred's greatest calling. Her family was the center of her world, and she found joy in caring for those she loved. She was a devoted mother to four children, a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren, and a loving great-grandmother to thirteen great-grandchildren. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her family, celebrating milestones, creating traditions, and watching each new generation grow.

For more than thirty years, Mildred faithfully attended Central Baptist Church of Chico, where she served as a Sunday School teacher. She found great fulfillment in sharing God's Word and helping others grow in their faith. Her servant’s attitude touched countless lives within her church family.

Mildred was also a dedicated member of the Chico Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. She cherished the organization's teachings, the lifelong friendships she formed, and the fellowship it provided. She especially looked forward to visiting other chapters and attending the annual state conventions, where many treasured memories and lifelong friendships were made. She loved reminiscing about the adventures she shared with her fellow members, and her stories often brought smiles and laughter to those around her.

Those who knew Mildred will remember her as a woman of unwavering faith, strength, kindness, and love. Her life was a beautiful reflection of grace, humility, and steadfast devotion to God and her family.

Mildred was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Finis Merrell Workman; her parents, John Orville and Dora Mae Birdwell Welch; and her brother, Orville Odell Welch.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Trena Morris and husband Wayne of Chico; Karen Hunt and husband Stephen of Decatur; David Workman and wife Debbie of Chico; and Terry Workman and wife Lisa of Chico.

She is also survived by her brother, John Keith Welch of Bowie; her sister-in-law, Marion Welch of Missouri City, Texas; her niece, Debbie Netck and husband Tom of Spring, Texas; and her nephew, Larry Welch and wife Leanne of Houston.

Mildred's legacy lives on through her beloved grandchildren: Tiffany Ard and husband Martin of Chico; Kristin King and husband Sean of Chico; Rachel Hunt of Decatur; Kelly Workman and wife Cheyenne of Chico; Stacy Fox and partner Casey of Darrington, Washington; Wesley Workman and wife Sara of Chico; Kimberly Hauger and husband Josh of Greenville, Kentucky; Christopher Workman and wife Sarah of Chico; Angela Wiley and husband Eric of Chico; and Britton Workman of Decatur.

She was also blessed with thirteen treasured great-grandchildren: William Ard of Chico, and Richard Ard of Bridgeport, Cady and Tessa Wiley of Chico, Zariah Workman of Chico, Kara Lee, Peyton, Dallas Workman of Chico, and Morgan Workman of Chico; Kia Fox of Darrington, Washington, and Remington, Havana Smith, and Kimber Hauger, all of Greenville, Kentucky.

In addition to her immediate family, Mildred leaves behind a host of extended family members and dear friends.

Although our hearts grieve the loss of someone so dearly loved, we rejoice in knowing that Mildred's faith has become sight. She has been welcomed into the arms of her Savior, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, and has heard the words she lived her life to receive:

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matthew 25:23 (King James Version)

Mildred's legacy of faith, love, compassion, and devotion will continue to live on through the lives of her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though she will be deeply missed, her influence will remain in our hearts forever.

Hawkins Funeral Home

940-683-2211

www.hawkinsfuneralhome.com