GLADYS MILLS

Gladys Mills, 91, made her final journey home on December 31, 2021.

She was born in Wise, VA where she lived her entire life.

She was a devout believer and of the Baptist faith. Growing up in the Depression, she learned to quilt, garden, make lye soap and preserve food. She loved to grow vegetable and flower gardens. Her family was the center of her life. She completed one of the first nurse aid classes taught at the Wise Technical School and worked for many years as a nanny and caretaker. She retired from the Wise County School System where she was employed as a Cafeteria Manager at J.J. Kelly High School.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harrison and Malissa Smith Collins; husband, Anderson Mills; infant son, Michael Harrison Mills; siblings, Elbert Collins, Lawrence Collins, Lloyd Collins and Annie Crabtree Hayes.

She is survived by her children, Robert Mills and wife Joyce of Wise, William (Billy) Mills of Wise, Bertha Mills Blackburn and husband James of Wise and Nancy Mills Gentry and husband Bill of Pound; grandchildren, Brian Mills and wife Lora, Lori Tubbs and husband Duane, Ashley Collier and husband Jarrod, Robbie Mills and wife Waneta, Tammy Mills, James Blackburn, Jr., Jarred Seth Blackburn, Trish England and husband Chris; great-grandchildren, Caleb Mills and wife Megan, Elijah Mills, Dalton Tubbs, Bailee Tubbs, Karli Kelly and husband Taylor; great great-grandson, Daniel Mills; many nieces, nephews, neighbors, loving friends and special former daughter-in-law Elizabeth Mills; special thank you to her hospice aide Madison Mullins.

Funeral services for Gladys Mills will be conducted 2:00 Monday, January 3, 2022 at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel in Wise, VA with Pastor Billy Hibbitts Officiating. Burial will follow in the Collins-Gilliam Cemetery in Wise. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until time of services at 2:00 P.M. Monday at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise, VA. Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 2493 is in charge of arrangements.