Mable Mullins

SIKESTON — Mable Benson Mullins, age 94, longtime resident of Charleston, Missouri, relocated from her temporary home here on earth to her permanent heavenly home on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, at Delta South Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born March 2, 1926, at Triplett, Missouri, to the late John and Iva Benson. She was the ninth of 12 children. They all preceded her in death.

Mable was a graduate of Dalton High School in Dalton, Missouri. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in education from Lincoln University and a master’s degree in guidance counseling from Southeast Missouri State University. After receiving her master’s degree, she accepted a position as guidance counselor at Charleston High School. She was the first African American to hold this position.

She was dedicated to her professions as a teacher and counselor and conveyed to each student that “education is the key to opportunity.” She devoted 39 years to the field of education.

Mable was a member of Perry Chapel AME Church for 62 years, where she served faithfully in the following capacities: youth director, pianist, choir member, secretary of the Trustee Board, member of the Pastor’s Aid Society, director of Christian Education, secretary of the Stewardess Board and deaconess.

She was a humanitarian and touched the lives of many from all walks of life. Mable always had a smile and a willing hand to help others. In her role as guidance counselor, she helped to shape the lives of many youth. After her retirement, she found joy volunteering as a Pink Lady at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

In 1953, she married David Fristoe, and to this union two children were born. She married Edward Mullins in 1981. Both David and Edward preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memories: two daughters, Carolyn (Ken) Hollowell of Sikeston and Nancy (Glenn) Terry of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; one granddaughter, Cara Dillard of St. Louis; a godson, Reginald Lampkin of Norfolk, Virginia; a special friend, Roscoe Robinson of Moberly, Missouri; and a host of nieces, nephews, her church family and many special friends.

Services are scheduled for Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, at the Cornerstone Baptist Church, 127 W. Trotter, Sikeston with Rev. J.L. Nabors officiating. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until service time at noon.

Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Charleston with Driver Funeral Service in charge of arrangements.