Lincoln – Mildred (Smith) Laxton, 96, formerly of Fairmount Avenue died Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at the Friendly Home, Woonsocket. She was the wife of the late John V. Laxton.

Born in Providence, a daughter of the late J. Henry and Esther E. (Nelson) Smith, she had lived in Cumberland and Lincoln all her life. She was a 50-year member of Sayles Memorial Church, Lincoln and was the church historian for 35 years. She was a Sunday school teacher and former chairman of the Board of Deacons. She was a life member and past matron of the former Electa Chapter #22, Order of the Eastern Star, Cumberland.

She was a charter member of the Blackstone Valley Historical Society and a member of the Rhode Island Historical Society and the Rhode Island Genealogical Society. She was also a member of the Beacon Pole Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution and a former member of Hamilton House, Providence.

She was employed for six years at Sayles Finishing Plant in Saylesville and at Providence Gas Company for six years retiring in 1975.

In 1976, as a member of the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, she designed and built, with the help of her husband John, a prize winning float appearing first in Lincoln’s Memorial Day Parade. The float was also awarded first prize in the Historical Division at Gaspee Days in Pawtuxet Village and won Best of Parade in the Pawtucket Bicentennial Parade also in 1976. In the Bristol Fourth of July Parade, her float was given honorable mention. The float was entitled “The Courtship of Betsey Whipple and Viscount Rochambeau” and carried a model of Lincoln’s historic Eleazer Arnold House and garden.

Her hobbies were local history, oil and watercolor painting and Civil War history concentrating on the First Battle of Bull Run in which her great grandfather lost his life.

She is survived by her sons, Glenn Laxton and his wife, Linda of Pawtucket and Stephen Laxton and his wife, Gail of Cumberland; nine grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Eileen Barney and Dorothy Smith.

Her funeral will be held FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 at 12 Noon at the BELLOWS-FALSO FUNERAL CHAPEL, 160 River Road, Lincoln. Burial will be in Moshassuck Cemetery, Central Falls.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call FRIDAY 10:30 A.M – 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Laxton’s memory to Sayles Memorial Church, 185 Chapel Street, Lincoln, RI 02865 would be appreciated. For Directions and Guest Book, please visit www.bellowsfh.com.

Reported: 10/21/09 (Show all obituaries for this day)
By: Bellows-Falso Funeral Chapel (Show all obituaries and information about this funeral home)

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