Mildred Bertha Gaither

Mildred Bertha Gaither, 90, of Sarasota, FL, passed away on June 7, 2022. Mildred Bertha Gaither, affectionately known as “Aunt Pat” was born on Tuesday, May 17, 1932. Born in Marion County, Florida, she was the 15th of 18 children born to Jake and Amelia Jacobs.

Growing up on a farm “Pat” learned responsibility, hard work and discipline. She learned when to plant and when to prune to reap a bountiful harvest. With 17 siblings there was always someone with whom she could share, to play and learn.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in Caldwell’s Pond. Her story is one of commitment and dedication to her Savior and to her family.

She was married to the late Deacon Sam Gaither for sixty-three years. She was committed to the success of her daughters Chappell and Mary Lee. Mildred insisted on excellent academic excellence from her daughters. She encouraged them daily to become God-fearing, independent professional women. She showered her daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and all young people with love, discipline and sage advice and prayer.

Shortly after moving to Sarasota in 1949 she joined Truvine MBC. She was a faithful member for over seventy years. While at Truvine, Sis. Gaither was an usher, Sunday School teacher, and past-president of Senior Women Missionary. She was a Bible Study attendee and Prayer Warrior. She attended local, district, area, and national Baptist conventions. Sis. Gaither loved sharing the Word of God.

“Aunt Pat” enjoyed family reunions, family vacations, and shopping. She also was a huge Tampa Bay Rays baseball fan. When it was World Series time, you could find her in front of her television. A highlight was her attendance to a Ray’s Baseball game at the stadium accompanied by her oldest grandson.

She was employed for fifty years by a private employer at Plymouth Harbor Retirement Community. Mildred received her CNA certification at the age of fifty.

On a sunny Tuesday morning, June 7, 2022, Sis. Gaither went home to be with her Lord and join her husband and thirteen siblings gone on before her. Mildred leaves a legacy of love and commitment to her two daughters, five grandchildren and her ten great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and sorrowing friends and Truvine family.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 17, 2022, 6-8 p.m., at Chandler’s Funeral Home, 1425 Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Way, Sarasota, FL. Homegoing Services will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, 10:30 a.m. at Truvine Missionary Baptist Church, 1947 31st St., Sarasota, FL. Chandler’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.