Mildred Ruth Liggins

Mildred Ruth Liggins (Smith-Hamilton) was born February 16, 1939, in Henderson, Texas in Rusk County, to Henry Hamilton and Alma Gladys Smith. She went home to be with the Lord on November 30, 2024.

Early in life, Mildred Ruth Smith-Hamilton attended Kilgore Colored High School later C.B. Dansby High School in Kilgore, Texas. During her formative years, she sang in the school choir and played saxophone in the band, it was through this she developed a deep love for music. Her passion for performance flourished as she participated in various school events and competitions, earning recognition for her talent.

Mildred Smith-Hamilton was married to Charles Edward Washington on the 27th day of December 1956 in Gregg County, TX. The couple later moved to Los Angels, CA where they welcomed four children: Paula, Linda, Richard and Kenneth. The couple purchased their first home in La Puente, CA in 1963. As they settled into their new home, Mildred and Charles worked hard to create a loving environment for their growing family. Mildred was a devoted mother instilling a strong sense of belonging in her children. Charles, who worked as a truck driver, took pride in providing for his family, often spending weekends teaching his kids how to repair cars and appreciate the value of hard work. Despite the challenges of raising four children, the couple found joy in their daily lives, often taking family trips to nearby parks and beaches.

Mildred balanced her studies in nursing with a position at JC Penney, diligently working to finance her education. She obtained her degree from Northwest College in West Covina, California. In 1963, she made history by becoming the first Black nurse at Covina Inner-Community Hospital.

Mildred later married Walter Talbert on the 26th day of November 1977 in La Puente, CA. Their wedding was a beautiful affair, filled with family and friends who celebrated the couple's love and commitment to each other. As they exchanged vows, the joy in the air was palpable, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives together.

In the years that followed, Mildred and Walter built a warm and welcoming home, filled with laughter, song and cherished memories. Their bond deepened with each passing year, as they navigated the ups and downs of life hand in hand. Walter Talbert departed to be with the Lord on July 25th, 1985.

In January 1988, Mildred obtained a Foster Care License from the Los Angeles County Department of Children’s Services. Throughout her years of dedicated service, she opened her home to more than 1,000 young women and infants, providing them with care, support, and a sense of belonging during some of the most challenging times in their lives. Mildred became a beacon of hope for many, offering not just shelter, but also love and guidance.

Her home was filled with laughter, tears, and countless stories, each child leaving a unique mark on her heart. Many of the young women she fostered never left the family viewing her always as their mother. Others returned to visit her, sharing their accomplishments and milestones, grateful for the foundation she had provided them. Mildred's dedication to fostering was recognized by the county, earning her several awards for her outstanding commitment to children in need. Despite the challenges of the job, including heart-wrenching goodbyes and the emotional toll of caring for troubled youth, Mildred's spirit remained unbroken. She often said, "Every child deserves a chance and love, and I am here to give them that." Her legacy lived on not only through the lives she touched but also through the network of strong, independent women she helped raise.

In 1989, she made her way back to Texas, where she purchased her home in Longview TX and took on roles as a substitute teacher within the Longview Independent School District and served in an emergency nursing capacity in a school environment. Her dual roles allowed her to connect with students on multiple levels, fostering a nurturing atmosphere that encouraged both academic and personal growth. As well as keeping a close eye on her grandchildren. Her dedication did not go unnoticed; parents and faculty alike admired her commitment. She quickly became a beloved figure in the community, recognized for her unwavering support and advocacy for children's education and health.

Mildred later embarked on a career at Craig Funeral Home, where she had the opportunity to establish meaningful and enduring connections. In this role, she dedicated herself to providing compassionate support and heartfelt condolences to countless families navigating their periods of grief, making a significant impact during some of their most challenging times.

On 1st day of June 1999, Mildred married George Liggins in Saline, Arkansas. The day was a perfect blend of love, happiness, and the promise of new beginnings. George Liggins departed to be with the Lord on November 10th, 2004.

Mildred was a faithful, lifelong member of the Church of Christ. Her foundation was formed in the Highway 71 Church of Christ (Westview Church of Christ) in Kilgore, TX. Later in life a dedicated member of La Puente Church of Christ in La Puente, CA and Harrison Street Church of Christ in Longview, TX. Throughout her life, she exemplified the values of compassion and service, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her warm smile and kind words were a source of comfort to many, as she often organized community events that brought people together in fellowship.

Mildred believed in the power of prayer and spent countless hours in devotion, inspiring others with her unwavering faith. She cherished the friendships she formed within her church communities and took an active role in various ministries, from singing in the church choir, teaching Sunday school to participating in outreach programs. Her home was often filled with laughter and love, as she welcomed friends and family alike, sharing meals and stories that strengthened their bonds.

As she aged, Mildred continued to be a pillar of strength, offering wisdom and guidance to younger generations. Her legacy of love and faith will live on in the hearts of those she touched, reminding them of the importance of community, kindness, and unwavering belief. Even in her later years, she remained an avid participant in church activities, embodying the spirit of service and devotion that defined her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Linda Helen Washington-Williams, son Richard Charles Washington; brothers, Jessie Andrew Hamilton, Donald Ralph Hamilton, Jimmie Hamilton, Jack Elder Hamilton and Bobby Ray Hamilton; and sisters, Willia Sue Hamilton-Johnson, Gladys Faye Jeffery, Judy Kay Alexander and Joyce Ann Watts. In addition to foster daughter Maxine Harrell.

Mildred leaves to cherish her loving memory, her daughter, Paula Yvette Washington-McCoy of Longview, TX and son, Kenneth Edward Washington (Michelle) of Longview, TX. Step-Daughter Aleshia Washington of Long Beach, CA; and Foster Daughter Deborah Mathis-Kelly. Grandchildren Latoya Williams of Arlington, VA; Matthew McCoy of Longview, TX; Gilbert Washington-Arredondo (Wendy) of Laveen, AZ; Pamela McCoy of Longview, TX; Tobias Johnson of San Bernardino, CA; April Smith (Philologus) of Waldorf, MD; Jason Garza of Arlington, VA; Erica Griffin (Micheal) of Longview, TX; Ashley Washington, of Dallas, TX; Anna Washington of Longview, TX; De’shaun Washington of Las Vegas, Nevada, Kenny Washington El Mirage, AZ; and Andrew Washington (Rebekah) of Alexandria, VA; Derreon Washington of Long Beach, CA; her loving brothers Henry Hamilton (Josephine) of Tyler, TX and John C. Taylor (Carmen) of Rosamond, California, and 24 Great-Grandchildren. In addition to eight foster grandchildren and six foster great-grandchildren.

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