Mildred Marie England

Mildred England was first and foremost a caregiver. Whether it was friends, neighbors, her beloved daughter, or even the wild birds in her yard, she brought a spirit of service and love to every living thing she encountered. Mildred Marie (Hampton) England, 79, of Augusta, passed away on January 19, 2026, after a short illness, surrounded by her loved ones. Growing up in rural Arkansas with her five siblings and devoted parents shaped Mildred’s early years. Hard work defined her from an early age, yet she always found time for adventure. Her love of road trips and exploring the many byways of the United States began early and continued into the very final days of her life. She was enormously proud to have visited all 50 states and most of the National Parks alongside her family. She delighted equally in quirky roadside attractions and in the majestic canyons and waterfalls she encountered along the way. When asked which trip was her favorite, she simply replied, “all of them.” At her home in Augusta, Mildred took great pride in her yard and garden, which were admired by many. Her backyard became a haven for hummingbirds, migrating purple martins, and countless songbirds, providing her with years of joy. She was hard working, fiercely independent, and possessed an uncanny ability to figure out how to make just about anything work. Her family and community alike benefited from her selfless and generous spirit. To be a friend of Mildred’s meant being cared for. She began working at a very young age, picking and chopping cotton alongside her family to help make ends meet. Later, she worked as a commercial seamstress and factory line worker for much of her life. For approximately 13 years, she was co-owner of the family-run Augusta Drive-In Liquor, a role that allowed her flexibility while raising her daughter and introduced her to a colorful cast of characters who still fondly remember “Mrs. Mildred from the liquor store.” Mildred devoted her life to her daughter, Martina, sacrificing much of herself and passing along her independent and adventurous spirit to ensure Martina had every opportunity for a full and exciting life. She was immensely proud of her daughter’s accomplishments and considered this her greatest success. She is survived by her loving daughter, Martina England; her sisters, Altha Hampton and Kathryn (Hampton) Jordan; her brothers, Larry Hampton and Elvis Meilke, Kenneth Hampton (Elizabeth Hampton), and Raymond Hampton; along with other relatives, many dear friends, and her very spoiled cat, Luna. She was preceded in death by her husband of more than 47 years, Jerry England; her parents, Bill and Esther (Ellis) Hampton; her sister-in-law, Thelma Hampton; and her brother-in-law, Larry Joe Jordan. Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Powell Funeral Home in Augusta, Arkansas. Visitation will follow the service from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. In keeping with her wishes, she will be cremated, and her ashes will be interred at a later date. She loved flowers, and those who wish to honor her memory may consider floral arrangements in vases or baskets; the family respectfully requests no floral easels or plants. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Woodruff County Library in Augusta, Arkansas. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Woodruff County.

Mildred Marie England

October 24, 1946 - January 19, 2026