Mrs. Phyllis Jones Mills

November 12, 1931 - June 14, 2021

Phyllis Jones Mills, 89, of Raleigh, formerly of Asheville, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021. Born in Richmond, VA, she was the daughter of the late John Whittier Jones and Evelyn Page Jones. Phyllis was a graduate of Lee Edwards High School, class of 1951. After graduation, Phyllis moved to Washington, DC where she worked for the Naval Department for two years. A lover of history, Phyllis relished her time in Washington and was delighted to be able to attend President Eisenhower’s inauguration. Upon her return to Asheville, she was employed by Wachovia Bank until starting her family. Phyllis later returned to work at First Baptist Church-Asheville, where she served as the church’s receptionist for 16 years. During this time, she also worked as the church’s wedding director, a role she thoroughly enjoyed. Following retirement, Phyllis continued to volunteer and actively participate in the life of the church. She was a member of First Baptist Church for 78 years. Phyllis had a love of learning, the arts, and travel. She was an avid reader and eagerly participated with The College for Seniors at UNC-A. She was a regular attendee at community concerts, and area theater productions. Phyllis felt very fortunate to be able to travel to a variety of states and countries, admiring our beautiful and diverse world. More than anything else, she loved her family and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Asheville. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, James Wheeler Mills and a son, James William Mills. She is survived by a son, John Mills of Clearwater, FL; daughters, Marjorie Mills Freeman and Mary Mills, both of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren, Stacy Mills Register and husband Daren of Franklinton, NC; Kelly Mills Lloyd and husband Jay of Wake Forest, NC; Mary Catherine Freeman of Charlotte, NC; William Freeman of Raleigh, NC; and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 22 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Asheville. The family asks that you join them in wearing colorful summer attire. Please note that face masks must be worn during the service in accordance with church policy. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at a reception in the church dining hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Asheville, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801 or to a charity of your choice. Morris Funeral and Cremation Care is serving the family, and condolences may be sent to their website at www.morrisfamilycare.com.