Mildred Walker-Cottrell, aged 89, passed away peacefully from a long-term illness on May 19, 2023. Mildred was born October 11, 1933 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Joseph and Annie Spates. She was the third of four children born to their union. Mildred was affectionately known to family and friends as “Miss Millie.”

In 1950, Mildred married Edward Walker Sr. The Walkers were blessed with eight children: Ronald, Gregory, Michael, Kathleen, Eric, Darlene, Darryl, and Edward Jr. She was a loving foster mother to several children throughout the years.

Mildred was educated through the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. She loved to travel, listen to music, play cards, and watch the world go by while sitting on her porch. Cooking also brought her much joy. One of her grandsons loved her cooking so much that he told his mother to ask her how to make gravy because hers didn’t look or taste like his grandmother’s.

Mildred attended Damascus Road Ministries with Senior Pastor, Grady L. Stevenson Jr. While in the rehabilitation center, Pastor Stevenson would deliver the Word and pray with her. This brought her great comfort.

Mildred worked at American Airlines as a Sky-Chef for twenty-five years. While there, she performed various duties such as meal prepping for flights and hostessing. She loved her job, and would often tell stories of the famous people that she’d met.

Everyone knew of her love for Aretha Franklin. When Ms. Franklin came to Cleveland, mom could not help but to secure an autograph. One night, while wearing a flawless gown and her best “Aretha” hair, off she went to see Ms. Aretha Franklin in concert. However, at home, we also knew that if Aretha was on, it was time to clean the house!

Mildred is survived by her children: Michael, Eric, Darlene (Elton), and Darryl; Grandchildren: Rhonda Wilson, Carla Reese, Samone Robinson (LC), Gregory Speed, Brandy Johnson (MJ), Ronald Wilson (Carly), Antwain Walker (Cherrie), Keywana Saxby (Laron), Alton Battle, Germey Walker, Bilan Lauderdale (William), Ashley Harris (RJ), Erica Hasan, Edward Walker III, Anthony Walker, O’Jone Jackson, Jakaela Jackson, daughter in love, Shamica Jackson, 34 great grandchildren, 24 great-great grandchildren, sister-Josephine Smith (late M.B), brother-Joseph Spates Jr., and aunt Peggy Betties. Also, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friend, Phyliss Stevenson-Lee.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Edward Sr., parents Joseph and Annie, sister Delores Spencer, sons Ronald, Gregory, and Edward Jr., daughter Kathleen and grandsons Elton D. Battle and Ronald D. Attaway.