Mildred Hinnant Hedgepath

Mildred Hinnant Hedgepath, 99, went home to spend eternity with her Heavenly Father at the throne of grace on Monday, May 5, 2025. She was born on October 8, 1925 in Columbia, South Carolina and was the first child of the late Bartow Albert Hinnant and Margaret Josie Hinnant. Mildred was predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years, Harry Dewitte Hedgepath, truly a match made in heaven, and by her sister Jo-Anne Hinnant Boykin. 

Mildred is survived by three sons, Jim (Stephanie), Mark (Janice) and Greg; five grandchildren, Patrick Hedgepath, Leah H. Keisler, Eric Sanders, Meredith Lee Quattlebaum, Garon Hedgepath, nine great-grandchildren, three great–great grandchildren, one sister Mary Hinnant Seel, and many well-loved nieces and nephews.

Mildred graduated from Columbia High School in 1942. On November 20, 1943, she married Harry Dewitte Hedgepath. During WW II she joined the USO and served as a nurse’s aide to support our US troops. She accompanied her husband, Harry, to Clemson University in 1947 where he enrolled in the School of Architecture. Mildred and Harry lived in Clemson until he graduated in June of 1950. There she became an avid life-long Clemson Tiger fan! Mildred worked as a secretary over the years, the last of which was at the University of South Carolina. She was adept at shorthand, something that never ceased to fascinate her grandchildren. For many years, Mildred was a talented counted cross-stitch designer for Pegasus Originals, Inc. She won the coveted “People’s Choice Award” offered by the Charted Designers of America for her design of Marty Bell’s “Miss Hathaway’s Garden” voted on by needlework retailers from around the world. All of her life she was an avid gardener and was granted the title of “Clemson Extension Master Gardener Emeritus” in 2019. Her garden was featured in a local magazine and was included on the Festival of Gardens tour. This love of gardening is handed down to multiple generations, as well as the handprint she left on the grounds of her church, Cornerstone Presbyterian, serving in many capacities as teacher, leader and president in women’s activites, and faithful to her Sunday School class. One great delight was her time spent with the Myrtles, a group of adventuresome gals united from their ladies’ Bible Study, that provided great celebrations and wonderful beach trips with surprises along the way. Most importantly, Mildred lived her faith in Jesus Christ. She was a vibrant example of the biblical Christian wife as her home and family were centered upon Jesus Christ. She was loved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. Memorial gifts may be made to Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. 

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 with visitation preceding at 1:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 5637 Bush River Road in Columbia, South Carolina. Burial services will follow at Bush River Memorial Gardens. Temples-Halloran Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.