Mildred & George Jimerson

The family of Mildred & George Jimerson would like to invite you to a joint celebration of their lives on March 18, 2023, with family visitation at 10:00 a.m., services at 11:00, followed by a procession to the cemetery for burial and where George will be honored for his military service by the U.S. Army. National Cremation and Burial Society, 5641 U.S. Hwy 90, Milton, FL, 32583, are entrusted with their arrangements.

Mildred Elaine Jimerson, born on March 7, 1934, age 88, of Baker Florida, was called home by the Lord on Saturday, February 25, 2023. Mildred enjoyed the Florida weather very much and was taken home by Our Lord and Savior on Saturday while walking her precious dog, Bella. Mildred resided at Katie Manor Apartments in Crestview and had been visiting with neighbors just minutes before her passing. Her neighbors tell us she was happy, having a wonderful day, enjoying the sunshine while visiting with them and walking Bella.

Mildred was preceded in death by her beloved Husband and our father, George R. Jimerson III (“Chief”), as well as her parents, Fred and Gladys Smith, and her brother, Ivan Smith. She is survived by her brother, Charles (Elma), her children, Sheila Colabello, Dina Crouse, Howard Kalinsky (Nam Hee), John Kalinsky, and Wanda Morgan (Ben), as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

George R. Jimerson III (“Chief”), age 89, of Baker, Florida, died after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. George was born November 18, 1931 and went to be with the Great Spirit and our Father in Heaven on March 18, 2021. George was a proud Native American Mohawk Indian who to his dying day held steadfast to his roots. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army for almost 3 years in the Korean War where he was wounded and spent 3 months in a hospital in Japan before he going back to enemy lines.

George was preceded in death by his mother, Mary King, his father, George R. Jimerson II, and his sister, Dorothy Jimerson. He is survived by his children, Sheila Colabello, Dina Crouse, Howard Kalinsky (Nam Hee), John Kalinsky, and Wanda Morgan (Ben), as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

George had one biological child, and 5 step-children (Mildred’s kids). To know him though, you would think all of us were his. He stepped into the role of father to 5 children ranging in ages from 11 to 22 and all the drama and heartache that comes along with it without hesitation. He never backed down; he never walked away. He did not have to be our father; he chose to be our father. It is in large part because of his love and emotional support that helped us each to grow into successful adults. George and Mildred raised us with strong rural values teaching us that we could achieve anything if we just worked hard. We know Mildred and George loved us all till their dying breaths; of that we are certain. George was a loving husband, father, grandpa, pop, pops, poppy, great-grandpa, and we will all miss him dearly, especially his infectious smile and sarcastic wit.

George and Mildred led a rich and fulfilled life. They were lovers, best friends and soulmates. They did everything together. They loved to snowmobile ride, ice fish, fish, motorcycle ride, canoe, hunt, camp, flea market, garage sale and they traveled the country together whenever they could by motorcycle. George was a hard worker having retired from the City of Amsterdam Public Works Dept. in New York in 1988 where he often missed a holiday meal with his own family so he could plow the streets of Amsterdam to make sure those that wanted to travel to be with their families for the holiday could do so.

Mildred had five (5) children for whom she was primarily responsible as they were growing up. As a single mother, Mildred worked two jobs, second shift at Johnny’s Seafood as a waitress, and third shift at Adirondack Knitting Mill for many years to put food on the table for her five children. Mildred often sewed the children’s clothes to save money. Mildred’s life, and the lives of her children, became easier once George came home to live with us. Mildred could do anything from cooking, baking beautiful wedding cakes, sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening and landscaping, to reroofing our two-story home with just one other person to help her. Mildred could do just about anything she set her mind to…She was an exemplary role model for all of us.

Mildred’s strong work ethic was passed on down to her children and grandchildren. And if Mildred loved you, she loved you with everything she had, and you knew it. If she did not, she let you know that too. Mildred was an outspoken and tough woman, and yet soft-hearted loving fiercely all those she considered family and friends. She was true to herself, not fake or artificial. All of these traits she passed down to her youngest, Wanda.

Mildred and George retired and moved from New York to Niceville, Florida in 1988. Both Mildred and George worked after they “retired” to Florida. George worked as a delivery driver for a local furniture store, and Mildred dedicated over 13 years to McDonald’s opening their Niceville location every morning at 3:30 a.m., Monday – Friday. They were also camp hosts and groundskeepers at the KOA camp in Milton, Florida, where they made some lifelong friends whom they loved dearly. They eventually purchased a home very near to Wanda and Ben in Baker where they lived happily for many years until George required assisted living, and Mildred could no longer care for that home with five acres alone. They both stayed in the Crestview area and Mildred spent many days/nights at Ben and Wanda’s home in the country. She and her dogs loved going there to visit.

In the past 9 years, Mildred drew very close to Ben Morgan, Wanda’s husband. They shared a bond like no other. They were so much more than mother-in-law/son-in- law. They were best friends and confidants. Ben became Mildred’s “ride or die” when Chief passed on. Even so, Ben was not afraid to tell Mildred when she was wrong or how to address a situation differently to achieve a better outcome. Mildred always listened to Ben. She may not always have agreed with him, but she always listened and loved Ben for being upfront and honest with her. Mildred changed a lot in these last 9 years. She became more loving, more accepting of people, and she just learned how to enjoy life more. We are forever grateful to Ben for his role in her life.

Mildred spent some precious time in early 2021 in upstate New York with her daughter, Sheila, and Sheila’s family. She thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with her New York family during this time, however she missed Florida and her family there terribly, so she came back after 4 months where she lived with Ben and Wanda for a few months before moving into her own apartment.

Mildred lived her best life. Mildred lived and passed away on her own terms. Happy, doing what she wanted to do. The last thing she wanted was to pass on in a hospital bed or in a nursing home. We are proud to say, Mildred lived independently right up to her last breath. Thankfully, she was not alone either. But then we aren’t ever alone, are we? God is so good; He is always with us!

We love you and miss you with all that we are Mom and Pop. We will carry you forever in our hearts, never to be forgotten, until we meet again in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Crazy Horse Memorial at [email protected], to donate by mail, send a check to:

Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation

12151 Avenue of the Chiefs

Crazy Horse, SD 57730-8900