Mildred Leftridge Thomas, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on January 31, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born in Cremona, Kentucky, on April 16, 1934, to William Theodore Leftridge and Mary Napier, Mildred was raised in the small mining town of Jenkins, Kentucky. It was here that Mildred’s resourcefulness and determination first showed. She was baptized at Saint Paul AME Church, where she sang in the choir and worshiped under Pastor Reverend Adams. Mildred graduated from Dunham High School in 1953, in a class of just 17 students.

In 1952, Mildred married Bobby J. Hooks and together they started a family. By 1954, they moved from Kentucky to Cleveland, where their family continued to grow. Despite the challenges of settling into a new, segregated city, Mildred remained determined. She worked tirelessly to ensure her five children had everything they needed, providing a loving home even through times of hardship.

Mildred was a woman of remarkable strength and independence. After arriving in Cleveland, she completed Cosmetology school on 105th Street and Cedar Avenue with her sister, Dot. She then began working at the Touch of Velvet on St. Clair Avenue, which marked the start of her journey as an independent business owner and homemaker until retirement. 

A trailblazer in her own right, Mildred embraced her role as a provider and nurturer. After her divorce, she became a self-sufficient woman who paid off her home and car, maintained her standard of living, and lived life to the fullest. Whether traveling, playing tennis, golf, fishing or enjoying her favorite sport, bowling, Mildred remained active and engaged. Besides being an active participant in sports, she was an avid sports fan. She loved watching her favorite player Michael Jordan, and she was the biggest cheerleader for every team in Cleveland. She not only cheered for the professional teams, she was always there to attend any sporting events, concerts, plays and graduations for her Grandchildren. She served as a chaperone for Glenville High School student organizations and was a teacher for 5 years at St. Ann’s Catholic School after care program. She held the position of Treasurer for many bowling leagues. Later in life, Mildred married Cleophus Thomas, a friend from her hometown in Kentucky. She was a faithful member of Lee Memorial AME Church until her passing.

She was a pillar in her community, a faithful volunteer supporting local businesses, and a proud mother and grandmother. She cherished her family deeply, and her legacy of love, independence, and resilience will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Mildred is survived by her brother, Ralph Leftridge of Moreno Valley, CA; her children, Bobby J. Hooks Jr. (Kim) of Edmond, OK; Lorenzo Hooks (Janine) of Charlotte, NC; Sherry Ellis of Euclid, OH; Cynthia Starks (Timothy) of Cleveland Heights, OH; and Doris Anderson (Michael) of Euclid, OH. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A woman of boundless strength and love, Mildred (Millie, B Ma) will forever be remembered for her unyielding spirit, her dedication to family, and her ability to overcome life’s challenges with grace. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.