Mildred Batts Brinson

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (KJV)

 Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a life well lived and a soul that brought joy to so many. We take comfort in knowing that our beloved Mildred Dean Batts-Brinson is at peace, surrounded by everlasting love. Her memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew her. While we mourn this great loss, we are grateful for the time we had and the love we shared. She peacefully transitioned on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at her home. 

Mildred was born on December 26, 1935, in Duplin County, North Carolina, to the late Willie Daniel and Betsy Carr Batts. She was reared in a loving home with seven siblings. She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Willie T. Batts and Isaac J. Batts; and four sisters, Alberta, Gladys, Lawanda, Margaret, and bonus sister, Doris Cox. She is survived by her sister, Lucille Hill (Robert) of Thomasville, GA. 

She also leaves to cherish her memory a devoted husband of 54 years, Roman Lee Brinson; three sons, Alfred Batts of Leland, NC; Larry C. Farrior (Laura) of Leland, NC; and Johnnie W. Herring (Angelia) of Durham, NC, and a beloved bonus daughter, Edell Blakney of Rose Hill. She was preceded in death by her son, James Farrior. 

Mildred was blessed with four grandchildren: Marcus D. Batts (Lorraina) of New Market, Maryland; Byron S. Farrior of Austin, Texas; Tocarra R. Batts-Barnes of Raleigh, NC; and Brandon S. Farrior of Woodbridge, VA; and, three great-grandchildren: Ryan Batts, Maxwell Barnes and Gisella Barnes. Step-children, Addie Brinson, Sheila Johnson (Leroy) and Roman Brinson, Jr.; Five stepgrandchildren; eight step, great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly. 

She is also survived by two brothers-in-law: David J. Brinson, and John H. Brinson of Warsaw, NC; and two sisters-in-law: Edna Batts (Willie T. Batts) of Rose Hill, NC, and Ethel Batts (Isaac Batts) of Cheriton, VA. Mildred was educated in the Duplin County public school system and graduated from Charity High School, Class of 1955. She accepted Christ at an early age and began her lifelong service to the Lord at New Christian Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. She was a devoted member of the Pastor’s Aid Committee, the Usher Board, and the Daughters of Zion where she faithfully served each ministry for over 50 years. 

Mildred had a love for traveling, visiting many locations in the country as well as abroad. She lived and worked in New York City and Washington, D.C., before returning home to care for her parents and be near her family and friends. Her career included many positions throughout Duplin County, culminating in her retirement from the United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service. Above all, Mildred loved the Lord and her family. She was well known for her selflessness, often making great sacrifices to care for those around her. She lovingly coparented many of her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. Mildred had a keen ear for both speaking and writing poetry, often gracing our family reunions with heartfelt verses filled with warmth and wisdom, a treasured thread woven into the fabric of our memories.