Mildred E. Seawright

Mildred E. Seawright went to be wtih the Lord on July 10, 2011, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 83. She born Mildred Elizabeth Phillips in Jasper, Arkansas, to Alvin and Dullie Phillips. Millie was married to Clarence Seawright in 1952 for 43 years, until his death in 1995. Mildred was raised in Jasper, the fourth of five children, attending Jasper Elementry and Harrison High School. She aspired to be a teacher and earned her B.A. at College of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas. Her sister, Marianna, also a teacher, wanted to go to Pritchett, Colorado, to teach; after a little coercion, Millie decided to go with her sister for "one year." There, Millie met Clarence Seawright, fell in love and married. They had a daughter, Donna Ann, who was the delight of their lives. While Clarence was busy farming, Millie taught high school music in Pritchett. After the birth of Donna, she stayed home with her until she took a kindergarten teaching position at Springfield. This teaching position was her favorite as she loved being with the young students. She and Clarence were members of the Methodist Church, first in Pritchett and later in Springfield. She played the piano and organ in both churches. As a member of Eastern Star, she was asked to be Grand Organist for the state of Colorado, an honor she was especially proud on. Millie prided herself on being a proper Southern Lady (known for her delicious chocolate sheet cake) and her Southern roots were deep in her devotion to the Arkansas Razorbacks. But her favorite pastimes were being home with her family (especially her grandchildren) and visiting family and friends in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Pritchett and Springfield. Many happy hours were spent with Pritchett friends visiting, drinking coffee and playing cards. The Seawrights lived in Pritchett until 1988, when they decided to make the big move to Springfield. After Clarense's death in 1995, Millie moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, in the summer on 1997 to be close to her daughter and grandchildren. She kept in touch with her Colorado friends for many years. The last 12 years of her life, she bravely frought the effects of Alzheimer's Disease. Millie is survived by her daughter, Donna Higby, son-in-law Daniel Higby, and three grandchildren Heath, Matthew, Julie Higby, her brother Don Phillips, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, and his son, Steve Phillips, of Ft. Worth, Texas. She is also survived by two nieces of Tulas, Oklahoma, Carol Spears, and Beth Minnich. Millie was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence, her parents, Alvin and Dullie Phillips, two brothers, Taylor and Ernest, and her sister Marianna. The family wishes to convey their gratitude to Millie's care-givers especially Irena Buzea, owner of Palm House, and her wonderful staff, in Phoenix, Arizona. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mildred E. Seawright to the Springfield Teacher Association the proceeds will be used in the Mathews Scholarship. Please make your checks to the Springfield Teacher Association Scholarship, in memory of Mildred E. Seawright and send them to the Springfield Schol, 389 Tipton St., Springfield, CO 91073.