Courtland - Mildred Poole Babb died after a long and wonderful life on August 1, 2017. She was born February 5, 1926 and lived 91 years in a life characterized by love and enjoyment of friends and family. She was predeceased by her parents, Lawton L. and Edith P. Poole, and her husband, Benjamin Emmett Babb. Left to celebrate her life are her children, Benjamin Emmett Babb, Jr. (Kathrine), Edith B. Brittle (Gene), Anne B. Railey (Richard) and Esther B. Francis (Vernie); her grandchildren Elizabeth B. Munn (Mike), Frances B. Keene (Bill), Jerry D. Rose, Jr. (Donna), Stephanie R. Blythe (Wes), R. Edward Railey, III (Katherine), Benjamin B. Railey (Tamee) and John B. Barksdale, IV (Alexa); and her great grandchildren, Ashby and Libby Munn, Emerson and Mary Helen Keene, Daelyn, Dutchess and Denver Rose, Danee Railey and Jackson Railey, Caroline and Arianna Blythe; her sister-in-law Mary K. Greig (John) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her husband, Benjamin E. Babb, will be long remembered as a pioneer in the modern logging industry. It should always be remembered, however, that behind him always stood the calm and steady hand of Mildred Babb, where they worked together for many years.   It would be easy to remember her for her organizational ability in both logging and the church, but her life is more accurately characterized as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, family member, wife, daughter and friend of the highest order.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 4, 2017, at her church, the Courtland United Methodist Church in Courtland, Virginia. The burial will follow at Riverside cemetery. Wright Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to the Courtland United Methodist Church, 22416 Main Street, Courtland, VA 23837, Christopher D. Ray Memorial Scholarship Fund Foundation, c/o Esther Francis, Post Office Box 444, Courtland, VA 23837, or a charity of your choice. www.wrightfuneralhome.org