Nancy Louise (Jones) Mills

     Nancy Louise Mills (Jones) left this world and went home to heaven on May 1, 2026. She passed away comfortably, surrounded by loved ones at Kent General Hospital in Dover, DE at 78 years young, gracing us with her high-spirited energy for all that time. Nancy entered her earthly body on July 2, 1947 in Dillsboro, NC. 

     From childhood, Nancy was a gifted pianist, often sharing her talents with the members of different churches that would seek her out to play for them. Nancy learned how to cook early in life as well, a talent that only grew and evolved through her life. In earlier decades of her life, she was a talented artist of several mediums including crochet, macrame, painting, ceramics, an avid reader, as well as an impressive mathematician. Even when retinopathy and arthritis made it increasingly difficult, she still made great efforts to enjoy these things as long as she could. She loved dogs, and had several waiting for her in heaven, barking and yipping with their tails wagging and tongues out. 

     Some of Nancy’s favorite activities were sharing a delicious meal or snack, enjoying good music, dancing with her girlfriends, spending time with family, watching General Hospital and Perry Mason every day, daily phone calls with loved ones, attending church in person or virtually, sharing a true laugh, shopping, and going to her regularly scheduled self-care beauty appointments. Anyone who knew Nancy knew that if given a task, she would get it done, correctly and efficiently. She was a powerhouse of a person that devoted her entire life to her family and tackling any goal she set for herself. She was a beloved grandmother, great grandmother, sister, mother, aunt, friend, and colleague. 

     She devoted more than 30 years of service to working as a civilian for the Air Force, holding many interesting positions throughout her career, earning many awards, and receiving endless accolades by superiors and coworkers alike. In the 70s, she was the first ever woman flight simulator instructor for military service members aspiring to become pilots at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, OK.

     She was preceded in death by her parents Clyde Cope and Margaret Jones; her husband Jerry B. Mills Sr.; and her granddaughter Brittney Aja Mills. 

     She is survived by her sister Alice Cope Elliott and brother-in-law Gerardo Rios; her brother James Jones and sister-in-law Sheila Jones; her son Jerry B. Mills Jr.; her daughter and son-in-law Teresa A. Byrd and husband Tyrone Byrd; niece Ginger Robbins; nephews Matt Elliott and Luke Elliott; grandsons Kurt Thompson and Scott Thompson; granddaughters Chrissy Harper and Savannah Mills; her great grandchildren: Cain Thompson, William MacDiarmid, Amelia MacDiarmid, and Gregor MacDiarmid; her best friend Patricia Edwards; her dog Penny; and great-grandcat Marcella.

     She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

     A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, DE 19934 where friends may visit with the family from 12:00 P.M. until 1:00 P.M. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery beside her husband at a later date. Online condolences may be made viawww.pippinfuneralhome.com. 

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