Mildred Hanes Whitlock, 96, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, in Madison, Alabama.
Words often used to describe Mildred were strong, confident, independent, determined, courageous, unshakable, inspirational, principled, loving, kind, forgiving, and a long-time friend. But to those who loved her, she was so much more. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, Gee-Gee, sister, aunt and friend whose presence touched countless lives.
Mildred was born in Hooks, Texas, to Thurston and Rebecca Hanes on September 15, 1930. She attended Hooks High School and was proud of the fact that she never missed a day of school and was never tardy throughout all 12 years of her education.
Mildred spent many years working on Redstone Arsenal as a Program Analyst for the TOW Project Office. She took great pride in her work and received numerous commendations throughout her career. She was also a faithful member of Whitesburg Baptist Church for more than 50 years, where her faith was an important part of her life.
Mildred was a woman of remarkable strength and determination. She faced life with courage, stood firmly by her principles, and loved her family deeply. She was compassionate and forgiving, always willing to extend kindness and friendship to those around her. Her unwavering faith in God carried her throughout her life.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Thurston and Rebecca Hanes; her beloved husband of 62 years, Y.C. “Whit” Whitlock Jr.; her son, Y.C. “Butch” Whitlock III; and her brothers, George Hanes and Joe Hanes.
She leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory, including her children, Joyce Reiling (Tim) and Charles Whitlock (Phyllis); her siblings, Jerry Hanes, Evelyn Stewart, and David Hanes; and her grandchildren, Teresa Friend (Michael), Wendi Daversa, Russell Whitlock (Camille), Lauren Whitlock, and Ryan Whitlock (Abby).
She was a devoted Gee-Gee to her precious great-grandchildren, Jake, Emmeline, Lily, Cannon, Nolan, Shelby Grace, Russ, Ella, Blair, and Georgia, and she was blessed to know and love her great-great-grandchildren, Dakota and Kayce.
Mildred’s family and friends will remember her for her strength, compassion, faith, wisdom, humor, and unconditional love. She was a woman who made an impression—a woman who could not easily be shaken and who lived her life with conviction and purpose.
Her greatest legacy, however, will always be the love she gave her family. The lessons she taught, the memories she created, and the strength she modeled will continue through the generations who follow her.
Mildred had a lifelong commitment to God, and although her family will deeply miss her, they find comfort knowing that she is now pain-free and resting peacefully in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior.
Arrangements will be announced.
