Mrs. Mildred Stone Cribb, age 71, of Willacoochee, passed away on Friday, March 12, 2021, at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, following a brief illness. A lifelong resident of South Georgia and Atkinson County, “Miss Mildred,” as she was affectionately known by so many, had a tremendous heart and a gentle, kind, and caring spirit. Her infectious smile and keen sense of humor made her a pleasure to encounter no matter the location. As a daycare provider and business owner in Atkinson County for many years, Miss Mildred made a lasting impact on generations of children and their families that will forever be cherished and remembered.
Mrs. Cribb was born in Douglas, Georgia, on January 21, 1950, to the late Marvin M. Stone and Virginia Vining Stone. She graduated from Atkinson County High School in 1969 and later began a rewarding and successful career in social work and teaching children at Mildred’s Daycare & Preschool in Willacoochee, which she owned and operated for 25 years. Mrs. Cribb was a member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Alapaha. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Jayson Carter Cribb.
Mrs. Cribb is survived by her loving husband of nearly 52 years, Hayward Cribb of Willacoochee; daughter, Heather Fairley, and husband Chris, of Willacoochee; grandson, Joshua Carter Cribb of Willacoochee; four brothers: Larry Stone of Douglas, Donnie Stone of Alapaha, DeWayne Stone of Alapaha, and Kevin Stone of Broxton; and two sisters: Vangie Stone of Valdosta, and Linda Stone of Enigma. Several nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive Mrs. Cribb.
Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Cribb were held on Sunday afternoon, March 14, 2021, at 3:00 P.M. at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Alapaha with Reverend Michael Bennett and Reverend Garvie Nicholls, Jr. officiating. A special song, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” was sung by the attendees with Kyle Stone accompanying on guitar.
Serving as active pallbearers were: Ryan Cribb, Chris Fairley, Kenny Mizell, Kyle Stone, Mike Stone, and James Langston.
Relihan Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.