Mildred Wright Hedrick Joiner
1924 - 2003
Mildred Wright, daughter of Mason and Carrie Lynn Wright, attended the Oxford (Rosenwald) School in Oxford and the Washington Street High School in Covington where her grandfather, Augustus Charles Wright, was principal. Upon graduation, she attended Paine Academy in Augusta. Mildred was a life-long member of Rust Chapel (now, the Rust Chapel United Methodist Church), where her husband, the late Rev. William Leory Hedrick, served as pastor for a number of years. Joiner taught Sunday school, vacation bible school, was a member of the Women’s Society of Christian Service (now, United Methodist Women), and was church historian. It was during her tenure as historian that she wrote The History of Rust Chapel: History of Newton County, Georgia 1821 – 1988, published in 1988.
Mildred began her association with Oxford College as one of the two housekeepers at Haygood Hall. Later, she worked in the college library and as a security officer in the Branham Women’s Residence Complex and as the administrative assistant to the librarian, a position she held for 46 years. She was the first African American resident of Oxford to be employed at Oxford College in a position other than in the services department.
Mildred’s instrumental work on the community survey enabled the City of Oxford to annex areas and expand its boundaries.
Both Robert and Mildred Joiner were active members of Rust Chapel United Methodist Church.
The Joiners’ daughter, Helen continues to maintain the family homestead in Oxford.
Mildred began her association with Oxford College as one of the two housekeepers at Haygood Hall. Later, she worked in the college library and as a security officer in the Branham Women’s Residence Complex and as the administrative assistant to the librarian, a position she held for 46 years. She was the first African American resident of Oxford to be employed at Oxford College in a position other than in the services department.
Mildred’s instrumental work on the community survey enabled the City of Oxford to annex areas and expand its boundaries.
Both Robert and Mildred Joiner were active members of Rust Chapel United Methodist Church.
The Joiners’ daughter, Helen continues to maintain the family homestead in Oxford.