Mildred J. Rias

April 1, 1951 - June 23, 2020

Mildred J. Rias was born to the late Jimmie Lee Prewitt and Ruby Lee Rias of Doddsville, Mississippi (Sunflower County). She was preceded in death by: her sisters, Velma L. Rias, Bertha L. Brown and Helen Marie Walker After receiving her high school diploma from Saint Louis Public Schools Vashon High School (1970), Mildred continued her education by receiving an undergraduate degree from Saint Louis University, two graduate degrees from Webster University and one from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Her life long career as a Librarian began the Winter of 1983 with the Saint Louis Public Library. After many years of rewarding experiences, Mildred retired from the Saint Louis County Library 2018. One impeccable ability was her research skill set, if it was to be found she would find it. As one that thirst for knowledge, personal and professional development, she was a member of many organizations at the Local, State, National, Genealogical, Educational, Social and Ethnic level. In 2008, she became involved in genealogy and was an active member with the St. Louis African-American History and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) and in 2016, she co-founded the Association of African Ancestored Researchers of St. Louis (AAAR-STL) which is still thriving today. She committed countless hours giving back to her community from assisting senior citizens with their taxes to organizing projects for the homeschooling community. She was instrumental in advising and developing book collections for children in foster care in Saint Louis City. She volunteered performing age appropriate story time at the Family Courts-Juvenile Division as well as multiple schools in Saint Louis city and County. She was an education advocate and was always more than willing to help a parent navigate the school system to ensure that their child received the best education. Additionally, she loaned her skills and talent to assist organizations such as Marsha's Moms, Good Samaritan Homeless Shelter, Center for Women in Transition helping women and children in need. She leaves to cherish her memory: daughter ~ Stefanie N. Moore; granddaughter ~ Jaylahni-Tashon Pope, Pasadena, Texas; siblings ~ Roosevelt Rias, Saint Louis, Missouri, Willie Plez Rias (Linda), Columbia, Georgia, Beatrice Warren, Saint Louis, Missouri, Jimmie L.ee Prewitt Jr., John Osie Prewitt, Clara Jean Prewitt, Trennie Carol Williams, Memphis, Tennessee, Henry Lee Prewitt, Atlanta, Georgia, Shellie Ann Johnson, Lansing, Michigan; and a host of nieces; nephews; cousins and friends.