Mildred Lindley Obituary

Mildred JoAnn Lindley, age 91, passed away January 11th, 2026, at Liberty Commons Skilled Nursing in Burlington, NC.

She was born in Alamance County on September 23rd, 1934, but lived most of her life in the Silk Hope community of Chatham County. She was the daughter of the late Harlow and Ruth H. Lindley. JoAnn was also preceded in death by her brother, Gerald V. Lindley, wife Shirley, and great nephew, Joseph Leitch, III.

After graduating from Silk Hope High School in 1952, she began her career at Siler City Manufacturing Hosiery Mill in Siler City. She retired 55 years later from the same location which had changed ownership several times through the years. JoAnn was on a bowling team in Siler City for several decades. She was a lifelong member of South Fork Friends Church where she sang in the choir for 70+ years and in a trio and mixed chorus along the way. She was a devoted member of the church missionary society and served for many years on the home visitation committee. One of her greatest joys in life was spending time with her brothers’ families (Gerald and Harry). Although she never married, she claimed her multiple nephews and nieces as her children and her great nephews and nieces as her grandchildren. To them she was affectionately known as “JoJo”. Prior to entering the nursing facility, she lived 17.5 years with her niece Melanie and Joe Reece and their children, Ruthie, Caroline, Eleanor, and James.

JoAnn is survived by her brother, Harry Lindley and his wife, Brenda; nephews, Greg Lindley and his wife, Toni, Michael Lindley, Kevin Lindley and his wife, Julie, Erik Lindley and his wife, Denise; nieces, Jamie Lamm and her husband, Jeff, Melanie Reece and her husband, Joe; great nephews, Graham Lindley and his son, Rylan, Brock Lindley, and James Reece; great nieces, Stacey Walker and her husband, Cody and their daughter, Joy, Emma Claire Lindley, Ruthie Vickrey and her husband, Landon, Caroline Reece, Evey Lindley, Ember Lindley, Eleanor Reece, and Eden Lindley.

The service will be held at South Fork Friends Church on Friday, January 16th, 2026, at 11:00 am with her pastor, Reverend Dr. Daniel Thames. Visitation and reception will follow in the church chapel. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to South Fork Friends Music Fund in c/o Judi Harris, South Fork Friends Church, 359 South Fork Bethel Road, Snow Camp, NC 27349.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Lindley family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com