Mary Emma Mills (nee Reeves), age 88, passed away on July 12, 2023, in Alpharetta, Georgia. She was born on July 4, 1935, in Milner, GA. Mary was the youngest daughter of a large, close-knit family and grew up with a love for agriculture. She was an award-winning member of the 4H, known for her state fair blue-ribbon chickens.
Mary pursued her education at Milner High School and later attended Berry College, where she earned a degree in Home Economics. During her time at Berry College, Mary participated in their renowned work/study program to cover the costs of her education. She continued her educational journey at Columbus State University, where she obtained a master's and education specialist degrees.
Mary began her professional career as a Home Economist with the Gas Light Company of Columbus. She showcased the company's products on local TV shows, demonstrating her expertise in the field. Later, she transitioned to become a teacher in the LaGrange City School System. Mary's passion for education led her to a long and successful career as a Reading Specialist in the Muscogee County School District. She was a member of the President's Club of the International Reading Association and the Phi Delta Kappa Professional Society. Mary was also involved with the National Beta Club in high school.
Outside of her career, Mary had many interests and hobbies. She loved gardening, cooking, and collecting angel and chicken artworks. Mary enjoyed traveling, square dancing, and was an avid reader. Most important to Mary was her relationship with God through Jesus Christ. She actively participated in the activities and choir of Roswell United Methodist Church.
Mary's family and friends will always remember her sweet and friendly disposition. She was loved by all who knew her. Mary is survived by her sister, Francis Reeves, her son, Richard (Lori) Thomas Mills, Jr., her daughter, Diane (Jim) Hamm, her grandsons, Michael R. Mills and Christopher M. Mills, step-grandchildren Amanda (Edwin) Martin; Emily Anderson and Morgan (Cody) Crocker, her great-granddaughter, Harper Grace Mills, and step-great-granddaughter Elanie Catherine Crocker.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Thomas Mills, Sr., her son, Robert Lee Mills, her parents, Jerry Raymond and Lounette Irene Reeves, her brothers, Howard Reeves, Buford Reeves, John C. Reeves, Reuben Reeves, Vernon Reeves and her sister, Camila Reeves.
Funeral services will be held at Northside Chapel in Roswell, Georgia, on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 2pm. Visitation will begin at 12:00pm. Following the funeral service, Mary will be laid to rest at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to either the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or the Ronald McDonald House. Contributions can be sent to the organization of your choice to honor Mary's memory.
May Mary Emma Mills rest in peace forever remembered for her dedication to education, love for her family, and her warm and kind nature.