Mildred Borders

Obituary For Mildred Borders

Mildred Borders
February 27, 2026

Ms. Mildred Lee Borders was born in the small town of Mound Bayou, Mississippi on December 13, 1939, to John Borders Sr. and Ethel Borders Connor. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.

Mildred confessed her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Wall Chapel M.B. Church in Shellmound, Mississippi. She is a graduate of Sam Balkin High School in Schlater, Mississippi. After High School Mildred relocated to Chicago, Illinois where she served as a faithful member of Stone Temple Baptist Church under Pastor J.M. Stone, current Pastor Bishop Derrick M. Fitzpatrick. Mother Borders was employed with Surf Restaurant in downtown Chicago, IL where she served dutifully for over 20 years.

Mildred served as a Teacher in the Sunday School Department. She also served as President of The Stone Temple Missionary Department where she led the nursing home and ministered through the sick and shut in visits. Mother Borders was in charge of the Stone Temple Kitchen Staff, and her leadership was respected and admired by her staff as well as her delicious food was enjoyed by many . She also sang in the renown Gospel Chorus as a lead singer, traveled all around the country and her beautiful voice was also captured in an album recording for their 19th Anniversary Service. Mildred’s voice was often complimented to sounding like the incomparable Aretha Franklin (at times she even looked like her…lol).

Mildred lead many songs such as, Ye Shall Receive, Remember Me, Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah…I Don’t Know What You Come To Do, and the classic benediction song, God Be With You Til We Meet Again! This song was ministered after every Sunday and special services. In addition to singing in the choir, she also sewn all the ladies’ dresses for special choir events. She also sang in the choir at of the Congress at Greater New Era District Christian Education and Served at the Missionary Annual Sessions where she also participated in food and table preparations for the festivities.

Mildred also loved to pray. You would hear her fiery prayers echoed in the morning accompanied by her singing to God in worship!!! Mildred also sewn garments for others for their church events, including choir uniforms, dresses, cummerbunds, and ties for prom and wedding events. Her sewing skills were so on point as she would take a pattern and customize the dresses to fit the intended wearer as if they were poured into the dresses. In her leisure time, she enjoyed serving. Mildred’s house was the hub. She made sure you felt right at home, ate until you were full, and took extra food home to eat later. She loved to entertain, setting the table just right for all invited.

The unspoken rule was, when you were invited to eat over Mildred’s house, don’t bring anything but your appetite because she had plenty. She enjoyed helping others, and spending time with family. Mother Borders was truly blessed. She departed this life on February 27, 2026 at the age of 86 at her home in Chicago, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her father Mr. John Borders Sr; mother, Ethel (Borders) Connor; beloved daughter, Becky Borders; granddaughter Iesha Borders; sister Geneva Ross; two brothers, Oscar Plater and Abraham McGhee.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter, Patricia Lewis (James); grandson, Quincy Lewis of Monee Illinois; granddaughter Krystal Bullock of Chicago Illinois; great grandson Jaylen Borders of Chicago Illinois; brother, Rev. John Borders of Chicago, Illinois; two sisters, Carolyn Burns and Ruthie McDonald (Percy) both of Greenwood, Mississippi; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Service:
Saturday, March 21, 2026
10:00AM - 12:00PM

Leak & Sons Funeral Homes - Chicago
7838 S. Cottage Grove
Chicago, IL 60619

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