Mildred J. Brinkley, of Suffolk, passed away Dec. 25, 2015. She was born April 11, 1930, to Clarence and Bessie Jernigan. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 ½ years, R.H. (“Herb”) Brinkley Jr., and her daughter, Betsy B. Briggs. Mildred is survived by son R.H. (“Bert”) Brinkley III and wife, Cindy; daughter, Cynthia B. Winslow and husband, Sandy; daughter Melinda B. Trostle and husband, Henry; son-in-law, Tim Briggs; sister, Doris Bailey and husband, Jim; sister, Mollie Blythe and husband, Pitt; grandchildren and their spouses, Brent Winslow and Megan, Ashley Kelly and Scott, Melanie Long and Tanner, Stuart Trostle, Brianna O’Berry, and the recent blessing of a great-grandson, Harrison Kelly.

Mrs. Brinkley was a devoted mother and wife, raising four children while helping own and operate Herb’s Bar-B-Que by her husband’s side for more than 50 years. After Herb’s passing in 2005, she still enjoyed visiting with customers for two years while her daughter, Betsy, and granddaughter, Melanie, ran the family restaurant.

Mrs. Brinkley was very fortunate to remain in her home by the lake and was lovingly cared for by her companion of over three years, Linda Edwards. She also received compassionate care by Griswold Home Care and her special caregiver, Rosa Johnson. She was comforted in her final days by the loving support of nurse, Becky Case, and chaplain, Darren Wiskow, with Interim Hospice.

Herbie and Betsy received the most precious gift when MaMillie joined them in heaven on Christmas night.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Parr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434 with Chaplain Darren Wiskow and Pastor Tommy Holland officiating. Entombment will follow at Nansemond-Suffolk Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4416 Expressway Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 or the Alzheimer’s Association, Southeastern VA Chapter, 6350 Center Drive, Suite 102, Norfolk, VA 23502. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.