Mildred M. (Shields) Bates-Wilson, 93, of Gravette, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at her home.  She was born March 14, 1929, in Gravette, Arkansas.

Mildred's greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends.  Mildred raised cattle and farmed for more than 70 years. She could often be seen working in her yard, garden, or fields.  She was a member of the First Christian Church of Gravette.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maggie and Grover Cleveland Shields, Sr.; six brothers; five sisters; her first husband, Joseph Cale Bates, and in later years, Jackie Wilson.

Mildred is survived by two daughters, Linda Silmon of Bryant and Dorothy Hadley (Arlan) of Gravette; one sister, Goldie Jones, of Midwest City, OK; six grandchildren, Charles Alan Silmon, Michael Silmon, Steven Silmon, Josh Howard, Allison Gardner, and Leigh Ann Heaton; twelve great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 7, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m at the Bella Vista Funeral Home in Bella Vista, AR.  Following the visitation, a graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery in Gravette with Jheri Roberts officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory.  On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.