Courtesy Stancil Family Reunion Archive
Mildred Ruth Stancil, daughter of Lonnie Alfred Stancil and Susan Pearl Renfrow Stancil, was born Nov. 25, 1917, in Cross Roads Township in Wilson County, North Carolina.
When growing up, she was affectionately known as "Billie."
She grew up in Wilson, where she attended Winstead School. Though she didn't always enjoy school, she later advanced to Charles L. Coon High School, where her favorite teacher, Mrs. Sinclair, made an impression on her.
Courtesy Stancil Family Reunion Archive
She met Jerome Clinton Kelly in Wilson, and after a whirlwind romance, they married on November 16, 1935, in Greensville, Virginia, when she was 17.
Jerome, who was born June 9, 1916, was raised on a farm in Panther Branch Township in Wayne County and worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Together, Jerome and Mildred built a home next door to Mildred's father on Aycock Street in Wilson. He had a job for a time at Perry Auto Parts at Barnes and Pine streets in Wilson.
Jerome filled out a World War II Draft Registration Card on Oct. 16, 1940. He and Mildred were living at 612 Crowell St. in Wilson. At 24 years old, he was 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighed 160 pounds. He also had brown eyes and brown hair.
Jerome served as a Military Policeman in WWII and later pursued a career in law enforcement, becoming Chief of Police in Apex, NC. Their family grew over the years, raising six children in North Carolina.
Their children included: Jerome Carlton Kelly, Glenn Clinton Kelly, Dorothy “Ann” Angela Kelly Etheridge, Linda Joyce Kelly Moore, Alfred “Butch” Bryant Kelly and Rose Marie Kelly Southern.
In 1958, the family moved to Daytona Beach, Florida in search of opportunity but later returned to North Carolina due to financial struggles. Jerome, an excellent mechanic, transitioned back into law enforcement, eventually becoming Chief of Police.
Mildred found great solace in her faith, joining the Church of the Nazarene in 1955, a moment that led her to quit smoking and devote her life to her beliefs.
Life Challenges and Legacy
Jerome passed away on March 21, 1968, leaving Mildred widowed after 32 years of marriage. She later married Rev. Sherwood Lee Gooch on Oct. 26, 1975 and moved to Raleigh.
Over the years, Mildred overcame uterine cancer and found joy in reconnecting with her family in Wilson. She was an enthusiastic participant in Stancil family reunions, attending them yearly, proud to be "one of us Stancils."
Sherwood died June 29, 1987, in Raleigh. He is buried in Montlawn Memorial Park.
Mildred passed away peacefully on January 16, 1996. Her funeral was held at Joyner's Funeral Home in Wilson, followed by a graveside service in Raleigh. She was laid to rest beside Jerome in Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh.
Her Greatest Accomplishment
Mildred always said her greatest achievement was “Having the Lord save me.” She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and faithful woman who embraced life's joys and overcame its challenges.
Mildred's legacy lives on through her family, her faith, and the love she poured into those around her.
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil