MILDRED LAFRAN NAILS

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Obituary

Mildred Lafran Nails Obituary

Mildred Lafran Nails, 85, of Clairton, Pennsylvania, was born January 25, 1941, in Newberry, South Carolina. She was the beloved daughter of the late John Gary and Ella Bea Gary.

Mildred moved from South Carolina to Ohio for a short period of time. While attending school in Ohio, she would get lost on her way home almost every day, and the police would help her find her way home. When her parents moved again, Mildred came to Clairton, Pennsylvania, at about 12 years old. She attended Clairton High School and graduated in 1959.

Mildred departed this life on September 4, 2026, at AHN Jefferson Hospital in Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by Luther Nails; Milton Perkins; her father, John Gary; her mother, Ella Bea Gary; her sons, Montese Perkins and Gary Perkins; her brother, James Odell Wilson; great-grandson Montese “Monte” Perkins; and great-granddaughter Tiara Perkins.

Mildred was affectionately known as “Big Mil” or “Millie.” She was best known for being kind, a giver, and always affectionate. She loved dogs and had a dog named 18; after him came a host of other dogs that she loved. No matter where she was, she would talk to anyone. She opened her home to anyone and everyone.

She loved building puzzles, cooking, and baking, and she loved God. Mildred was famous for her cookies; people paid for her cookies during the holidays, and she also gave them away as holiday gifts.

Mildred began as a homemaker raising her five children. She later worked at the Clairton Steel Mill for more than 10 years, where she earned the nickname “Big Mil.” She then worked at Kmart for about four years and transferred to Little Caesars inside the Kmart store for another four years. The people loved Millie. She eventually retired and decided to enjoy life.

She enjoyed going to the casinos with the seniors and playing the slots. Her favorite place to eat was Red Lobster. On birthdays and holidays, you could find Mildred there or enjoying her favorite meal at home: the Admiral’s Feast.

Mildred could always count on her grandson Leland to be there to help her with anything, as well as her son-in-law Henry.

Mildred also loved her special neighbors, Mr. Woody and Mrs. Renee Food, more like family.

Mildred loved her aide, Ms. Judy; she was a blessing from God.

Mildred was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years in the Clairton chapter. She was also a faithful member of Morning Star Baptist Church in Clairton, Pennsylvania, for more than 40 years. She served on the Ushers Board and became its president, a position she held for more than 20 years.

Her faith was not only something she spoke about; it was reflected in the way she served, welcomed people, and cared for others. A phrase Mildred will always be remembered for saying is: “You be careful.” Those simple words carried love, concern, and protection. They are words her family and friends will continue to hear in their hearts.

Children: Bridgette Perkins; Tammy (Henry) Jones; and Lee Perkins, all of Clairton, PA.

Grandchildren: Damon Perkins (PA); Kamari (Jared) White (East Norriton, PA); Natasha Perkins (Carnegie, PA); Sherae Perkins (Brandon Smith) (Phoenixville, PA); Montese Perkins Jr. (Upper Darby, PA); Greylynn Jones (Biloxi, MS); Leland Jones (Clairton, PA); Irelynn Jones (Clairton, PA); Krislynn Jones (Carnegie, PA); and Kende Perkins (MD).

Great-grandchildren: Aziah, Montese III, Leland Jr., Brooklynn, Cayden, Breyln, Greylynn Jr., Taliyah, and Giana, along with extended family, church family, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched.