Mildred Louise Howell Beck (1917-2014) was born and raised in Reform, Alabama. She was married to James M. Beck of Mobile, Alabama, for 41 years until his passing in 1993. Mrs. Beck received her Bachelor’s degree from Montevallo University and her Masters in Home Economics from the University of Alabama. She taught Home Economics at Alabama’s Fairhope High School for over 45 years. She was also an active member of the Fairhope Chapter No. 127 Order of the Eastern Star, noting in personal correspondence that she personally initiated and financed the chapter’s first printed programs for their Installation of Officers in 1946. Mildred’s father, L. J. (Lemuel Jasper) Howell, was a prominent figure within Alabama’s Future Farmers of America and received both local and national recognition for his contributions to the organization. In 1953, he held the national record for serving as FFA Adviser for the longest period of time in one location.