Melba Coleman Mills

She was born July 30, 1922, the eldest of four children of Lee and Bessie Coleman. Melba was one of the first female accountants in Baton Rouge, working for Hawthorn Weymouth & Carol and later with Franklin Press, from where she retired. She was also one of the first female HAM operators in the state. In the 1950s, she was secretary to State Senator H. Alva Brumfield. In the 1960s, she was active in the Baton Rouge Little Theatre and danced with a touring troop. She converted to Catholicism and was a devoted member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. Even after churches were closed due to COVID and her health was failing, she faithfully watched the live stream of OLOM Mass every Sunday with her family.

She is survived by her sons, Jimmy Dale Bennett of Toledo Bend and David Coleman Mills, Sr. of Baton Rouge; daughter-in-law Robin Mills, grandsons Dale Bennett, David (DJ) Mills, Jr. and Mark Mills; sister Fay Hines & brother-in-law Jimmy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Dorothy Roberts and brother Ray Coleman.

Funeral Mass will be January 7, 2022 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. Visitation starts at 1:30pm and the funeral will be at 2:30pm. After the Mass, we will walk to the Garden of Peace Columbarium on the church campus for inurnment. Greenoaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Our Lady of Mercy Traditions for Tomorrow Campaign.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenoaksfunerals.com for the Mills family.