Mrs. Vines was born the daughter of Benjamin F. and Georgia T. Boozer. Mildred was raised on a farm outside of Nacogdoches. She graduated from Nacogdoches High School and attended Stephen F. Austin University where she received a degree in English. Following graduation from college, she began a teaching career that continued for over forty-one years that included a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Houston. Most of her teaching years were spent in the Pasadena Independent School District where her service ranged from classroom teacher to school principal. She retired as principal of Williams Elementary School in 1975. Her years of care and caring for both her students and teachers brought her praise and respect from those who worked for her, the students she taught, and the parents of the many students whose lives she touched. Upon retiring from teaching, "Mimi," as her family knew her, began a second career, working with Ralph Vines, her husband of 62 years at Home Hardware in Pasadena, Texas until Ralph became ill and the store was sold. She was a charter member of South Main Baptist Church, a life member of Texas Retired Teachers, a life member of Texas Parent Teacher Association, a member of Pasadena Retired School Employees and the Pasadena Chapter of the order of Eastern Star #711.
Mrs. Vines was preceded in death by her husband, James Ralph Vines, a son, James Ray Vines, and a brother, Byron Boozer. She is survived by her son, John N. Ainsworth of Rosharon, Texas, her daughter, Paula A. (Sally) and husband Dr. John L. (Larry) Duren of Clear Lake, a sister, Maurice Hartt of Nacogdoches, a brother, Harold Boozer of Deer Park; grandchildren, Cyndi Sapp, Patty Miller, Susie Ainsworth, Jimbo Vines, Jon Vines, Jennifer Laaksonen, Julie Vines, David Duren and Lisa Stiles, sixteen great-grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who lived and honored their "Mimi."