Mildred Earl

Like a vibrant sunrise splashed across the sky, Mildred Earl brought such beauty and brilliance to the world around her. She was kind and generously gave of her time to those in need of a helping hand. With an abiding faith as her guide, Mildred exemplified what it means to be a woman of God and in so doing, leaves behind the greatest legacy any parent can give. Although she treasured being a mother, she just may have argued that being a grandmother was her lifes greatest reward. A woman who was content in all things, Mildred lived a life of grace, humility, and true compassion toward all those within her reach. If one could turn back the hands of time to the year 1918, they would reveal an America that was deeply entrenched in the throes of WWI. This was not the only challenge during this time, however, as the deadly flu pandemic enveloped much of the world, reaching a peak of over 200 deaths a day. There was a young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, who were able to shift their focus to a joyous occasion in their family, however, as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their baby. It was on December 20th of that year that Henry and Jennie (Pentinga) Johnson welcomed Mildred Elizabeth into their hearts and home. Her father worked in manufacturing while her mother was a busy homemaker. Mildred was the oldest of six children in her family including her sisters, Katherine and Elizabeth, and her brothers, Martin, John, and Henry. She was raised in the family home in the Diamond and Fulton area where she attended local schools. As the Great Depression blanketed our nation throughout the thirties, Mildred did odd jobs and cleaned houses in order to help contribute to the family income as a teenager. Her family moved to Grant when she was in high school, but Mildred remained in Grand Rapids where she lived with a friends family while she finished her education. She went on to graduate from Grand Rapids Central High School. After the vicious attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Mildred joined the Marines and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. She worked as a cook and rose to the rank of sergeant during her four year duration in the military. When she was discharged Mildred returned to Grand Rapids where she attended classes at Grand Rapids Junior College. It was there that she met the man with whom she would share a lifetime of love. His name was Benjamin Earl and he was seven years her junior. After dating for a time the couple found themselves deeply in love and was married on September 2, 1949. During their summers off, they both worked at American Seating and once they graduated from junior college, they both went on to Western Michigan University. Mildred graduated with a teaching degree, and later in life she went on to earn her masters in education. Her teaching career began in the Comstock Park school system in Grand Rapids. Mildred and Ben were thrilled to become the parents of a beautiful baby girl they named Jenipher. Mildred took some time off after the birth of their daughter, and they settled in Troy because of Bens work. Eventually, Mildred went back to teaching, first for Berkley School and then for Avondale School, both located outside of Detroit. She retired from Avondale in 1984 after 25 years of teaching. Throughout their married life, Mildred and Ben were a good pair who loved each other deeply. They were active socially and liked to go bowling, play cards with friends, and were members of the Elks. Along the way they purchased some property in Grand Haven from Bens brother, and Grand Haven became a favorite vacation spot where they would enjoy some time off and visit the property while dreaming of building a place there one day. They saw this dream come to fruition after they retired and built their home on Prospect Street. They were so excited to move there in 1985. Together Mildred and Ben also did some traveling including trips to Russia, the Netherlands to visit relatives, California, and a cruise of the Caribbean. They joined the First Presbyterian Church in Grand Haven where Mildred did some volunteer work and was also active in the womens circle. Later in life Mildred experienced both peaks and valleys along her journey. With more time off she was able to pursue the things she enjoyed even more - things like reading and tending to her picturesque yard and garden. When grandchildren arrived, Mildred was thrilled and spending time with them quickly became a favorite activity. For a time their grandson, Louis, lived with them, and she always had such a positive impact on the lives of all of her grandchildren through the years. When Ben began struggling with health challenges due to his emphysema, Mildred tenderly cared for him until his death in 2003. Although she was deeply saddened, she drew strength from both her family and her faith. Mildred continued to live on her own and hosted the holiday dinners each year. She also did some additional volunteering at some local charities. Much of her time was spent at Hospice and helping with outreach ministries through her church, regularly visiting homebound members. With her presence of mind intact, Mildred was still driving at the age of 92. Sadly, Mildred suffered a stroke last week and was unable to recover. She drew her last breath just a few days later. With so much love to give, Mildred Earl touched the lives of so many within her reach. She was a loving wife and nurturing mother who lived to spend time with her daughter and grandchildren. Through Mildreds life we are reminded that each day is ours for the taking, and that it is in loving others that we are richly blessed. Although we will miss her deeply, we find comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with the love of her life and is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home. Mildred E. Earl died on Saturday, July 30, 2011. Mildreds family includes her daughter, Jenipher Hayes Earl (Ronaldo) Nauman of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Louis, Donald (Hannah) & Carmen Nauman; great grandchildren, Harmony, Louis B, Abigail, Shayla, Simone, Alexis, Ariel, Blaze & Bastian; sisters, Kathrine Alicki, Elizabeth Johnson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin in 2003; brothers, Martin, John & Henry Johnson. Services will be held on Friday, August 5, 2011, 11:00 a.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel-Grand Haven with Rev. Dr. Tom Cook officiating. Interment at Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice of North Ottawa. 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