Mildred Hotinger Huffman

Mildred Alice Hotinger Huffman, 96, of Lexington passed away on Feb. 17, 2025, at Kendal at Lexington, surrounded by her loving family. 

She was born on Feb. 3, 1929, in the Collierstown area of Rockbridge County and was the daughter of Ray Wilton Hotinger and Mary Tribbett Hotinger.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Ezra Grover (E.G.) Huffman Jr.; four sisters, Allene Cummings, Lillian Morrison Potter, Ora Lee Hepner and Nancy Sheldon; and three brothers, Wilton, Kenton and Eugene Hotinger.

She is survived by her son, Perry Johnston Huffman and Margaret Ann Smith of Lexington; her daughter and son-in-law, Vickie Lynne Huffman and Donald Ford of Buchanan; two cherished grandchildren, Alyssa Cole Ford of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Brycen Huffman Ford of Lexington; two sisters, Nellie Leech of Lexington and Ruby Brankley of Plant City, Fla.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mildred was a dedicated lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church, where she served in numerous leadership roles, including president of the Women of Oxford Presbyterian Church, deacon, elder and head of multiple committees. She also taught Sunday school, Bible school, and led the Circle Bible study group, leaving a lasting impact on her church family.

Mildred attended Madison College, graduating in 1951 with a bachelor of science in education. A passionate educator, she taught home economics for seven years at Fairfield High School before dedicating 31 years to teaching English at Central Elementary School and Highland Belle Middle School. She was an active member of the National Education Association, the Virginia Education Association, and the Rockbridge County Retired Teachers Association, where she served as president for two years. Additionally, she was a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Organization for Women Educators, leading the organization as president for four years.

Mildred embraced life with enthusiasm, participating in the International Red Hat Society and two bridge clubs. She enjoyed sewing, reading, music and flower gardening. A talented cook, she collected treasured family recipes and published a cookbook titled Family Savory Treasures. Her culinary expertise was recognized in American Profile Magazine, Southern Living, and Taste of Home, and her beautifully remodeled kitchen was featured in Cooking for Two magazine.

Known for her warm and generous spirit, Mildred was always ready to lend a helping hand. She deeply loved her family and treasured her friends. Her kindness, faith and dedication will be remembered by her family, church community, former students and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A memorial service will be conducted by Dr. Horace Douty and The Rev. Kyle Segars at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at Oxford Presbyterian Church, with interment to follow in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oxford Presbyterian Church, Effinger Volunteer Fire Department, or a charity of your choice in her memory.