Mrs. Mildred Yates Brown Knowlton

Mildred Yates Brown Knowlton, 100, of Columbia, died on Monday, March 18, 2024. Born July 14, 1923, in Raleigh, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Francis Burkhead Brown and Mildred Yates Brown. Mildred was blessed with 100 years filled with love, laughter, poetry, and faith. She was a remarkable example of the Greatest Generation as her life was impacted by the history of her time. She was born in Raleigh NC and lived in her parents’ newly built “forever” home on the same street with her grandparents. Her happiest memories include playing at Yates Mill and Pond owned by her grandfather, Professor Robert Yates. The Great Depression brought great changes in this life as her family had to move to Columbia, SC in 1933. Her father, filled with faith and fortitude, assured the family that he had found the perfect house near the Corner of “Holy” and Devine. Here in Shandon, Mildred excelled at Hand Junior High and Dreher HS where she was editor of the school newspaper. It was also during this time that she met the love of her life, Charlie Knowlton, at Miss Sloan’s Dance Class. She was a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she was a member of Kappa Delta, editor of the yearbook, worked at the Caroliniana and McKissick Libraries, elected to the Beauty Court, and graduated cum laude. However, Pearl Harbor was bombed during her sophomore year, and her life changed once again. Charlie graduated early to join the Navy. Mildred graduated on time and, after a short stint with TVA where she drafted maps for the Defense Department, she joined the Red Cross to do her part in the war effort, a point of pride throughout her life. After the war, she worked as a copywriter at a radio station. She and Charlie reunited and married after his graduation from Harvard Law School. They made their home in Columbia where they contributed to the Baby Boom, and she dedicated her life to her family, church, and community. She was involved in many civic and social organizations, including: The Junior League, voted “Silver Fox”; USC School of Arts and Science Advisory Council, Columbia Museum of Art Board, Colonial Dames, Richland Memorial Hospital Volunteer, The Club, The Fortnightly Club, The Dianthus Garden Club, and The Assembly. She was a dedicated member of Trinity Cathedral where she was president of the Daughters of the Holy Cross; served on the Vestry and Altar Guild; and wrote for the Tidings for many years. She had a thirst for knowledge and a love for travel. She held hands with Charlie in a Gondola in Venice. She rode a camel in Kuwait. She walked across the Great Wall of China. She snorkeled over the Great Barrier Reef. And she toasted her 90th birthday in Paris. She was a lover of poetry and often quoted poems that reflected the sentiment of the moment. She wrote poems for birthdays, marriages, and travel adventures. She paid her grandchildren a dollar for every poem they learned. During her last years, she often expressed herself through the use of poetry. She was a true Southern Lady, elegant and kind. She had a keen intellect and a delicious sense of humor. Laughter was part of the fabric of our lives. She was a loving mother and doting Gram to her 13 grandchildren and 15 Greats. She impacted the lives of all who met her, and she will be missed. Mildred is survived by her children, Charles (Bucky) W. Knowlton, Jr. (Debbie) of Charleston, SC, Mildred (Mindy) K. Faucher of Columbia, Robert (Bob) Y. Knowlton, Sr. (Nina) of Columbia, and Francis (Frank) B. B. Knowlton (Cristin) of Columbia; grandchildren, Alden Knowlton, Katherine Knowlton, Alice Knowlton, Elizabeth F. Cassidy (Michael), Greg K. Faucher (Elizabeth), Frances F. Griffin (Michael), Anne K. Seis (Simon), R. Yates Knowlton, Jr. (Sarah Anne), Nina K. Turton (Otto), Mildred (Millie) Brown Knowlton, Sarah K. Marsha (Daniel), F. Burkhead (Burk) B. Knowlton, Jr. (Laurette (Rettie)), and Charles W. Knowlton, II. She also leaves behind her 15 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Wilson Knowlton, and her brother, Francis Burkhead Brown, Jr.. A memorial service for Mrs. Knowlton will be held at 2 o’clock on Friday, April 5th at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter St, Columbia, SC 29201. The family will receive friends following the service in Satterlee Hall at the church. A private burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery. The family deeply appreciates the wonderful, tender care provided by Atria of Forest Lake and the MSA Hospice Services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Cathedral or the charity of your choice.

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Mrs. Mildred Yates Brown Knowlton

July 14, 1923 - March 18, 2024