Martha Jane White Mifflin, retired pastor

On April 19, 2022, Rev. Martha Jane White Mifflin, 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep. Born Sept. 11, 1936, in Milton, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Roland White and Joanna Hopkins White.

Martha attended public schools in Milton and was a graduate of William C. Jason Comprehensive High School in Georgetown.  She was united in holy matrimony to Robert Vernon Mifflin, who predeceased her Nov. 3, 1989.

Martha was very active in her community and worked with the local PTA as president for several years. She was later employed by the Community Action Agency in Georgetown, where she received training that would later equip her for the ministry. In March 1970, a vision that had been given to her finally became a reality, and the Georgetown Day Care Center was opened.

Throughout her life, Martha was an active member of her local church, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Milton. She served as a Sunday school teacher, YPD director, missionary president, member of the Steward and Trustee Boards, and various auxiliaries. She worked with the Milton Ministerial Association in the late ’60s and ’70s. Martha joined the Delaware Conference Missionary Society in 1967 and received her Local Preacher’s License in 1973. Rev. Mifflin held several positions with the Delaware Conference Evangelist, one of which was treasurer for the Dover District Evangelist. In 1988, she was ordained a local elder, and served as assistant pastor at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Milton until she retired.

Martha is survived by two sons, Darryl Mifflin and his wife Davina, and Stanley Mifflin, both of Milton; four daughters, Barbara Mifflin of Milton, Joanna Caldwell and husband John of New Castle, Elizabeth Norwood and husband Troy of Georgetown, and Peggy Burris of New Castle; sister, Anna Henry and her son Donald of Georgetown; eight grandchildren, Paris, Aaron, Darryl, Jessica, Lloyd, Latoya, Jahnya and Seth; nine great-grandchildren, Chris, Aaron, Ian, Adrianna, Dutchess, Dallas, Paris, Brennan and Kennedi; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann Fletcher and Phyllis White; two goddaughters, Tara and Tasha; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, a loving church family, and friends. 

There will be a viewing held from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 29, at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 W. Division St., Dover. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 30, at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, 101 N. Queen St., Dover. Family and friends may visit two hours prior to service.

To offer words of comfort or sign the guest book, visit benniesmithfuneralhomesdelaware.com.

Professional service entrusted to Bennie Smith.