Kathleen "Mildred" Hess

Kathleen Mildred Hess, born in Cullman County, AL, passed away on January 11, 2023, at 11:11am after complications from several health issues. She was 86 years old.

Mildred made every day count. She received and provided much joy spending time with her family and friends, cooking, sewing, crocheting, and singing with Sweet Adaline’s. She felt blessed by her relationship with her church and spent a lifetime in gracious service.

Mildred could just as easily cook for 200 people at the Wednesday night church service as she could for her family of five, with leftovers to spare. She sewed for the local sewing group Stitches, making lap robes, bibs, and a variety of other products. She crocheted afghans and dishcloths for family and friends just for the pleasure of giving.

At the age of two, Mildred’s father passed away and her mother went to Decatur, AL to work as a beautician. Mildred was raised by her grandparents Wiley and Ida Easterwood, who owned the local cotton gin. She lived with her grandparents, four widowed aunts and three cousins. Even though she grew up without her parents, she said she never lacked anything. As a young teenager, Mildred and her cousins enjoyed taking a bus to all-night sings at the Ryman Auditorium. When Mildred was 14, she moved to Auburndale, FL to live with her mother, stepfather, and baby sister, Dama.

Mildred met her husband, Morris, when he was performing at a gospel sing. They dated for a short time, and she married at the early age of 17. Mildred was completely dedicated to her husband, loved caring for her children, but her greatest joy was her five grandchildren. She was the grandkids’ babysitter, chef, and personal taxi driver. She enjoyed spending all her free time with them.

Mildred is most remembered as a kind and gracious woman who cared about everyone she met.

Mildred is survived by her husband, Morris W. Hess; three children, Cindy Alexander, David Hess, and Lisa (Phil) Stevens; five grandchildren, Andrew Stevens, Lauren Stevens, Alexander Stevens (Bryanna), Jared Stevens, and Ryan Stevens.

Visitation will be on Monday, January 16th, from 10:00 – 11:00 am in the Tribute Center at Heath Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 11:15 am in the chapel and will be livestreamed. Committal service at Oak Hill Burial Park.

Those who wish may make donations to St. Jude in memory of Mildred.