Mildred Phillips Aiken, beloved daughter of Emmett and Thelma Phillips, was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in December 1926. She peacefully left this earthly life to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, where she has been joyfully reunited with the family and loved ones who went before her.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband, Charles Aiken; her sister, Betty Taylor; and her beloved children Emily Finley and Terry Aiken.

She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory: her son-in-law, Jack Finley; her daughter-in-law, Mitzi Aiken; her grandsons, Brandon Finley and Wayne (Tanya) Finley; and her granddaughter, Melissa (Beth) Heilig. She was also the proud and loving great-grandmother of Morgan and Nathan Finley, and Matthew and Claire Heilig, each of whom brought her tremendous joy.

A lifelong resident of Spartanburg, Mildred was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, where her Christian faith remained a guiding light throughout her life. She began her career serving as a nursing staff scheduler at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center before joining Milliken, where she worked in a production role from 1971 until her retirement in 1989.

Mildred found happiness in life’s simple blessings. She loved painting, creating beautiful works that reflected her creativity, and treasured the many family vacations spent together at the beach. More than anything, she loved her family. Her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, kind heart, and quiet strength were a blessing to everyone who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her love, wisdom, and example will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

"I was glad when they said unto me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord.'" (Psalm 122:1, KJV)