Mildred G. Joda

Born on April 14, 1927 in Montgomery, Alabama, Mildred Gertrude Smith was the first child born to Susie Andrews and Milton Smith. She was followed by three brothers, Enoch Smith, Alfred Smith and Milton Smith Jr., all who died as young children. Relocating to Plaquemine County, Louisiana, Mildred was raised by her mother and grandparents, EJ and Estelle Andrews. At the age of eleven, she was baptized at St. Augustine Parish in accordance to the rite of the Roman Catholic Church, making the Sacrament of First Holy Communion at Immaculate Conception Parish.

When Mildred's stepfather, John Mellieon secured work with the railroad, Mildred relocated to New York City where she assisted her mother in raising her younger siblings: sister, Theresa Mellieon Baptiste and brothers, Tyrone and Carver Mellieon, all who have preceded her in death.

After attending parochial schools in Louisiana, Mildred was enrolled at PS 40 Junior High School in New York and graduated from Jamaica High School where she played on the girls' basketball team. Upon graduation, Mildred was employed by the Sunshine Cookie Company. After moving with her mother and siblings to Detroit, Michigan for a year, Mildred returned with her family to New York City where she worked as a Nurse's Aide (CNA) for over a decade at New York Hospital.

Mildred had many hobbies and avocations. She loved to read and stayed up to date with the news and current events. She collected magazine articles and "cut coupons", sharing them with others decades before "extreme couponing" became the norm. Although she had a fear of flying, Mildred enjoyed traveling across the country by train. A lover of the humanities, Mildred enjoyed poetry, music and the theatre. She was known to often recite favorite poems that she memorized as a child. One of her favorite lines was, "Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man." All those who knew Mildred can attest to the fact that she was the living embodiment of that verse.

On September 12, 1959 at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Brooklyn, New York, Mildred was united through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony to Adetunji A. Joda, from Nigeria. By marriage, Mildred gained a daughter, Sarah, and three children were born to this union: Kateri, Adetunji Jr. "Tunji", and Stephen "Steve". Mildred and Ade, as he was affectionately called, were married for over 52 years until his death on October 25, 2011 at the age of 85.

While living in Brooklyn, the Joda family members were parishioners at St. John the Baptist Parish where the children attended elementary school. Mildred spent her time actively volunteering at the school and church while raising her children to appreciate city parks, beaches, libraries, museums, theater performances, and all the other amenities of living in New York City.

In March 1971, the Joda Family relocated from Brooklyn to unincorporated Arapahoe County, now known as Centennial, Colorado where Mildred resided until her passing. As one of the first families of the parish (envelope # 150), Mildred was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church for 48 years. Over the years, her involvement included but was not limited to cleaning of the home of Founding Pastor, Father Fred McCallin, regular washing of altar linens and folding of the church bulletins. In later years, Mildred and Ade volunteered as collection counters, and Mildred treasured their participation with the Forever Mores and the St. Thomas More Chapter of the AARP. On September 12, 2009, Mildred renewed her vows to Ade at Mass in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. With great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mildred was dedicated to the Lord and passionate about her faith in God. Such life-long faith empowered Mildred with the ability to persevere through adversity and formed her into a strong, kind-hearted and generous woman. Mildred was a loyal advocate for those who were less fortunate.

Mildred loved interacting with people. For decades, she volunteered as a voting official for state and national elections. After raising her own children, she embraced a new career as a childcare provider for others. While working with in-home childcare, she earned a reputation for her expertise in working with families with multiple births. Subsequently, she was sought out to assist several families with twins and triplets, who still consider Mildred to be a personal member of their families to this day. Additionally, she worked with numerous churches as a childcare assistant for their Moms Day Out Programs.

Affectionately known as "Mama Joda" to many, Mildred spent much of her retirement accompanying her husband with his African dancing and drumming troupes. Embraced by all she met, she is remembered for the warmth and charity that emanated from her bright smile and loving disposition. Her escapades with the family's pet dogs, Diablo, Casper and Rosie invoke many happy memories as well. Most significantly, Mildred loved her family and made great sacrifices on their behalf all the days of her life.

On Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the age of 92, Mildred went to rest with the Lord. She is survived by her daughter by marriage, Sarah (Charles) Mulhall of Aurora, CO, her daughter, Kateri (Dwayne) Williams, her son and caregiver, Tunji Joda, Jr. and son, Steve (Valerie) Joda, all of Centennial, CO. Left behind to cherish her memory are her brother-in-law, Kelshall Baptiste (Myrtle Beach, SC) and a host of extended family members and friends including nephews, Michael (Tameka) Baptiste (Myrtle Beach, SC), James Mellieon (NYC, NY) and cousin, Glenn Herring (Pensacola, FL). Mildred touched the lives of many and is loved and missed by all.