Sue Mills Wooten

Born on February 10th, 1941, in San Antonio, Texas to Dr. H.B. Mills and Frances Mills. Sue grew up in Midland, Texas and attended Midland public schools and graduated from Midland High School in 1959 (On Ye Bulldogs). It was a wonderful time with the best friends and family.

Sue was the oldest of three daughters, Linda Mills Wofford and Bobbie Nell Stovall.

When the opportunity to attend University of Arizona in Tucson presented itself, Sue made the most of the experience. She pledged Chi Omega, developed lifelong friendships, learned to study and appreciated what education can do for the mind. She graduated in 1963 with a degree in Psychology, returned in 1964 for a degree in Elementary Education.

In the late 1960’s, Sue moved to Dallas, Texas and discovered all the opportunities a thriving big city can offer. She loved living in Dallas and made the most of friends, concerts, family and living life to the fullest. While living in Dallas, Sue worked at World of Animals. Some would say this was her dream job. Sue did Public Relations for the only drive through safari at the time. She got to see elephants, nurse lion cubs at home and feed the giraffes on a regular basis. Sue was fortunate enough to take part in an advertising piece with Sugar, the World of Animals tiger with Sugar on her desk or sitting right beside her. She always said she was terrified, but worth every minute.

With the blessing of God, whom she gave all the credit, Erin was born in 1977. She was a miracle child that Sue was never supposed to have. She was the light of her life and will remain forever.

Sue was a single parent and raised Erin in Odessa, Texas. Together, they raised 4 long-haired dachshunds and stayed busy with many activities. She loved taking Erin on vacations to celebrate her birthday, listening to music together, talking all hours about anything.

Sue enjoyed creating writing, reading and composing music on her piano. She wrote music and her daughter Erin performed this music at piano recitals. Sue was awarded multiple awards for her poetry and short stories written over the years.

Sue returned to school in 1991 to get her master’s degree in counseling from U.T.P.B (University of Texas Permian Basin) and became certified in Special Education in 1995. Sue worked as a counselor for the Texas Rehab Commission and Hospice of Odessa. She was fortunate enough to head up the Content Mastery department at the Career Center. Sue always believed in the importance and value of education. She was a teacher for E.C.I.S.D for over 31 years. Sue retired from E.C.I.S.D in 2003 due to health reasons.

After her retirement, Sue got involved with Midland Humane Coalition, a non-profit organization whose mission is to partner with the Midland Community to end euthanasia and connect cats & dogs with loving forever homes. She was the board secretary for several years then became a life-time board member.

Sue was a mother to many precious dogs. She loved dogs and was a great supporter of animal rights. She knew one day she would be reunited with her great loves.

Sue was fortunate enough to grow up in a loving family during the dawn of so many changes in music, culture and around the world.

Her great loves while growing up were James Dean, whom she met in Marfa, Texas during the filming of Giant and Elvis Presley. She owned every record Elvis made and saw him in concert 5 times. Sue had a great knowledge and love of all music that spanned from 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Her wonderful parents instilled a work ethic in her which sustained her as she raised her daughter.

Sue continued to write short stories and books for Erin until 2024. These short stories and books about family history will live on forever.

Sue is survived by her daughter Erin Dye (Arnie) of Omaha, Nebraska; sister Linda Mills Wofford of Arlington, Texas; grandchildren Thomas and Kyara Dye of Omaha, Nebraska; beloved lifelong friend Russell Allen, and loved niece and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 10:00 a.m, at Ellis Funeral Home / Resthaven Cemetery, located at 4616 N. Big Spring St., Midland, Texas, 79705.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Midland Humane Coalition 10210 W Hwy 80 E, Midland, TX 79706 which was near and dear to her heart.