Mildred Barth

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Mildred Koplen Sechtin Barth, 98, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family.

Born in 1927 in Danville, Virginia, to Bessie and Abe Koplen, Mildred was the youngest of three children and joined her older brothers, Herman and Albert. She attended Converse College for one year before graduating from Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University) with a degree in distributive education.

During a visit to Baltimore, Mildred met her true love, Daniel Sechtin. They married on November 23, 1950, in Danville. They soon settled in High Point, North Carolina, where Danny was a partner in a furniture manufacturing company. Together, they raised two children, Jill and Alan.

Mildred was deeply involved in the High Point community and was especially proud of her volunteer work with the American Red Cross, where she helped establish the Bloodmobile program. She was also an active member of her synagogue, B’nai Israel, cherishing the friendships and traditions she built there.

In 1966, Mildred faced the heartbreaking loss of Danny in a plane crash. Two years later, she married Dr. Ira Barth and moved to Marion, South Carolina, where she utilized her business acumen to manage his medical practice. After their divorce, she returned to her hometown of Danville and began a new chapter, running Dr. Tom Harvey’s ophthalmology office. This role led to the founding of Parkview Optical, which she co-owned for many years. With her impeccable sense of style and warm personality, Mildred built a loyal customer base and took great joy in helping people find the perfect eyewear.

In Danville, Mildred was active in the community. She treasured her membership in the Wednesday Club, volunteered at the Science Museum, and served as the long-time treasurer of Temple Beth Shalom’s sisterhood. She was a lifetime member of Danville’s Hadassah Chapter, where she participated in the Angels of Mercy Campaign. She loved cooking, fashion, and was an avid Mah Jong player.

Mildred moved to Atlanta in 2017 to be near her granddaughters, and a year later, her daughter and son-in-law joined her.

Mildred is survived by her daughter, Jill Paulson, and son-in-law, David Paulson; her son, Alan Sechtin, and daughter-in-law, Nancy Sechtin; her grandchildren, Dana Eisenman (Matthew), Abby Lesorgen (David), and Daniel Sechtin; and her great-grandchildren, Reid, Sophie, and Drew Eisenman, and Maya and Hallie Lesorgen. She is also survived by her sister-in-laws Elaine Kolodkin (Alan) and Marilyn Cherson, as well as many nieces, nephews, and loving cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mildred’s memory may be made to Temple Beth Shalom in Danville, VA (129 Sutherlin Avenue, Danville, Virginia 24541) or to Haddassah. Please join the family for shiva at the home of Dana and Matt Eisenman at 6:30 PM on Sunday, August 10th, and Monday, August 11th. 

A graveside funeral will be held at the Hebrew Cemetery of High Point on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 4:00 PM. 

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