Mildred Sue Tester

Mildred Sue Smith Rominger Tester, age 96, of Dutch Creek Road Ext., Banner Elk, went home to be with the Lord Thursday evening, January 30, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was at home where she loved to be the most.
Mildred was born February 26, 1928 in Watauga County to John Nelson and Lillie Mae Byrd Smith. She was a member of Clarks Creek Baptist Church. For many years she was employed at the Valle Crucis Mission School Conference Center helping to prepare many delicious meals for the guests. Mildred was known for her delicious sourdough breads and yeast rolls. She loved sewing and quilting. Many people are now enjoying her quilts. Mildred canned vegetables from her gardens to share with family and friends. Her hands were always busy, making sure that all she knew and loved were cared for.

Mildred is survived by her daughter, Carol Tester (Michael Richardson) of Deep Gap and her son, Steve Tester of Valle Crucis; granddaughters, Katie Tester and Betsy Tester, both of Asheville, Audrey Tester-Betancourt (John) of Tampa, FL and Heidi Tester of Valle Crucis and grandsons, Michael Eldreth (Trish) of Dutch Creek Rd, Banner Elk and Douglas and Wesley Woodard of  Morganton; sisters, Wanda Hughes and Janeeta Smith, both of Boone; and five great-grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Johnny Rominger, her second husband Henry Tester, daughter, Linda Rominger Woodard, sister, Peggy Adams and brothers, Homer, Ray, Winford, Ed and Johnny Smith.

Funeral services for Mildred Tester will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, February 4, 2025, at 2 o’clock, at Clarks Creek Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Mike Townsend and Rev. David Lunceford. The family will receive friends from 1 o'clock until 2 o'clock. Graveside services will follow in the Clarks Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank Amorem Hospice for all their wonderful care.
Flowers are appreciated or the family requests memorials to Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 or to Clarks Creek Baptist Church, 2840 Clarks Creek Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604.
Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Tester family.

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