Mildred Louise Bell Rodgers, 96, of Panama City, FL, died on Friday, March 18, 2022, in The Cove neighborhood where she had been a resident since 1948.

Mildred was born on July 2, 1925, in DeFuniak Springs, FL. She graduated from Walton High where she was on the basketball team and her half court shot once got the team invited to the town drugstore for ice cream. After high school she worked at her local ration board and the Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, James Matthew Rodgers, Sr., her father, William Jefferson Bell; mother, Milbra Eliza Wilkerson Bell; son-in-law, Richard Green; three brothers, Jack Bell, Hubert Bell, and Darius Bell; and three sisters, Birthel Webb, Edna Mae Ray, and Lois Bell.

Mildred is survived by her son, James Matthew Rodgers, Jr., (Deborah); daughter, Debbie Rodgers Green; grandchildren, Brian Cooper, Suzanah Raffield (Rhonda), Matthew Rodgers (Tina), and Kimberly Eliza Rodgers; great-grandchildren, Haleigh Howell, Henry Raffield, Eilis, Audrey, and Aidan Ryan, Thomas Matthew, Jr. and Daniel James Rodgers, and many precious nieces and nephews.

Family and friends knew her as Millie, Aunt Mickey, Gaggie, Ma, and Mil. Those who confided in her never had to wonder if she would betray their trust. She was a gifted friend and a stellar confidante. Mildred was a charter member of Cove Baptist Church and served as a church trustee.

She was gifted at handiwork (quilting, embroidery, crocheting rugs) and all foods involving flour (pie dough, biscuits, gravy, cakes, dumplings, cornbread). She cooked vegetables DeFuniak Springs style and fried fish the West Bay way. She won blue ribbons at the fair, was a delegate for the Florida Farm Bureau, loved her Sew & Sew Club, delighted in garage sales, and collected depression glass.

After retiring as a secretary from the City of Panama City, she and her husband Jimmy enjoyed their retirement among three of their favorite places: Allen Avenue, fishing on Tank Pond, and farming in north Walton County.

Mildred was quick-witted and strong of heart. Filled with integrity and pluck, she embraced a life of love and adventure. Her devotion to family and friends will light their way.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 12 p.m. at Cove Baptist Church, 100 North Mac Arthur Avenue, Panama City, FL, with the Rev. Robert Denmark officiating and Patty Brown sharing a eulogy.  The family will receive friends at a visitation from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Internment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Cove Baptist Church, 100 North Mac Arthur, and the Baptist Center, 123 Kraft Avenue, Panama City, FL, 32401, in memory of Mildred Bell Rodgers.