Born in Hastings, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of the late Tom S. Ross and the late Myrtle Pollock Ross. Born on June 29, 1922, she lived a vivacious 91 and one-half years. Boy, did she LIVE!
Lorene was the fourth of thirteen children. Her mother died when Lorene was sixteen, she then took on the role of raising her siblings in her mother's absence. After completing her high school education, she served as a telephone operator with Southwestern Bell. She then met and married the love of her life, the late John Davis Mills, December 1948 and spent 40 years of marriage with "J.D." until he passed away in 1989.
She is survived by her two sons Ronnie Mills and wife Betty and Shane Mills and wife Peggy, all of Texarkana, Arkansas. Her proud grandchildren are Cassie Mills Booth and husband Ben Booth of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and great grandchildren Whitley and Brady Booth and loving grandson Cale Mills of Nashville, Tennessee. Also, surviving are step-grandchildren Ronald Bonds and wife Janet of Natchitoches, Louisiana and children Garrett and Kacey, Tina Bonds Webre and daughter Kourtney of Tickfaw, Louisiana and Brandi Leach of Pittsburg, Texas. Her two living siblings are Henry Ross of Reno, Nevada and Louise Richardson of Comanche, Oklahoma. Other living loved ones include sister-in-law Shirley Mills of Fouke, Arkansas, and a number of very special nieces and nephews and dear friends.
Lorene had an amazing positive outlook on life and an unwavering faith in God. She could often be heard humming "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" in the kitchen as she cooked for her family or singing "His Eye is on the Sparrow" while she enjoyed working with various crafts.
Active in numerous community and civic affairs, Mrs. Mills served for many years as a Sunday School teacher and volunteer at First Baptist Church Fouke, and in later years at Beech Street First Baptist, Texarkana. She was a member of the Sidney Chapter of Order of the Eastern Star serving as Worthy Matron twice. Lorene was the secretary of the Miller County Historical Society.
After being out of school for many years Lorene pursued a teaching degree. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Southern State College, teaching English with a passion for 19 years at Fouke High School. She received the PTA Arkansas Educator of the Year award in 1978.
As sponsor of the Fouke High School Beta Club, Mrs. Mills helped to grow the club to a large membership actively involved in community affairs. Building floats for the Four States Fair parade in their backyard, J.D. and Lorene enjoyed hosting students at their home. Her passion for Beta helped to lead the club to several state conventions in Little Rock where many of their skits won state titles and their members held state offices. Mrs. Mills served as the Arkansas State Beta President.
Even into her 90's, Lorene delighted in reciting poems and limericks from her younger days. She delighted in a good story and loved to tell one. Her energy was great, her enthusiasm constant, her integrity impeccable. Lorene's unselfish giving and serving others in spite of herself was evident throughout her life. She was absolutely devoted to her husband, children and grandchildren, and they to her. Gift giving was her love language, and she used her great imagination when giving the simplest gifts.
Mrs. Mills' family was truly blessed to have her in their lives for so many years. You may join them in a celebration of her life at Beech Street First Baptist Church, Texarkana, AR.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Beech Street First Baptist Church.
Services will be Friday, February 21 at 10 o'clock in the morning with Pastor Craig Jenkins and Brother Richard Posey officiating.
Burial will be immediately following services at Independence Cemetery in Fouke, Arkansas. Burial is under the direction of East Funeral Home - Downtown.
Those wishing to memorialize Lorene may send it to KLFI-tv, c/o Beech Street Communications, 601 Beech Street, Texarkana, Arkansas.
Online tributes may be made at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.14.0