Reverend Doris V. Mills

Celebrating the Life & Ministry of Reverend Doris V. Mills

Reverend Doris Virginia Mills, who was 91 years old, passed away peacefully in her home in Parkesburg, PA, on April 20th, 2024. She was born  February 19th, 1933, in Brooklyn, NY, to Earl A. White and Helen Myers White. When she was young, her family moved to Pennsylvania, where she attended James Adams Grade School in Atglen, PA, and later Horace S. Scott High School in Coatesville, PA.

Rev. Doris Mills, a woman of unwavering faith, was married to James C. Mills, and they built their first home in Parkesburg, PA, where they raised their six children. She was a pillar of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Atglen, PA, where she served as the head of the Usher Board, a Sunday School teacher, and a choir member. Her voice resonated in various choirs, including the United Choir, the J.B. Hill Chorus, and the Gospel Gems. She orchestrated numerous events, such as pageants and Tom Thumb Weddings. Rev. Mills was profoundly devoted to serving the Lord, leading the Noon Day Prayer Service every Wednesday at the church until her health declined.

In 1972, Rev. Doris Mills attended and graduated from the Grace Bible Institute in Coatesville, PA. She later attended and graduated from the A.M.E. Theological Seminary, where she received her license to preach and became an ordained minister. Rev. Mills was distinguishably recognized as the first person in the First Episcopal District to be ordained under the missionary rule of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This is not just a great, and outstanding high honor but a historic one! Rev. Mills found boundless joy in serving the Lord, and her journey was filled with love and grace. At Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, she served as a valuable resource to the assigned pastors, delivering sermons that imparted "Golden Nuggets" of wisdom for the congregation to apply in their daily lives. She was later assigned to pastor two churches simultaneously: Bethel A.M.E. Church in Mercersburg, PA, and Cito A.M.E. Church in McConnellsburg, PA, where she and her husband diligently carried out their ministry. Following this assignment, she took on the role of pastor at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Columbia, PA, then at Bethel AME Church in Marietta, PA, where she continued to share the gospel and leave a lasting impact on the body of Christ and beyond.

As a Vacation Bible School (VBS) teacher, Rev. Mills played a vital role in fostering spiritual growth and nurturing the faith of the church community. She provided pastoral care to the prisoners at Chester County prison, delivering convicting messages that encouraged the inmates to repent and believe in the gospel. Her ministry also propelled her to the local hospitals and nursing homes, where she ministered the Word of the Lord and offered communion to those wanting to partake in the remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.

Rev. Doris Mills generously extended her hospitality to the homeless and those who were not regular churchgoers. She spread God's Word and ensured that everyone had an opportunity to "get the Word," regardless of their background. She cherished spending time with her loved ones, studying God's Word, and creating intricately designed custom-made macramé chairs. She enjoyed participating in family get-togethers, frequently hosting relatives for conversations over coffee and a bowl of her signature homemade vegetable soup, a cherished tradition every New Year's Day. Unbeknownst to some, Rev. Mills was an avid dog lover who enjoyed playing fetch with her fur baby, Hanzel. She would often relax in her comfy lounge chair and toss Hanzel’s toys, only for him to quickly run and return them. Her love for Hanzel was evident in every playful moment they shared.

Rev. Doris Mills, a loving mother and sister, is survived by her sons Wallace J. Mills and wife  Susan of Lancaster, PA, and James C. Mills Jr. of Lancaster, PA; daughters Robin H. Mills of Parkesburg, PA, and Tina L. Johnson and husband Joel of Lancaster, PA; sisters Jacqueline Hallager of Parkesburg, PA, Shirley Nixon of Downingtown, PA, and Darden Dorsey and husband William of Coatesville, PA; brother Kenneth White Sr. and wife Carol of Thorndale, PA; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James C. Mills Sr., daughters, Dawn C. Mills-Tinnin and Dorene J. Mills-King, her parents, and her brother, Roger White, all are remembered with love and cherished memories.

Rev. Doris Mills will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy and devotion to serving the Lord will live on in the hearts and minds of many. Her family and friends can find comfort in knowing she has returned to the Lord and is dancing among the angels!

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, 1121 Octorara Trail, Parkesburg, PA. Interment will be held at 3:30 PM at the Mt. Zion AME Cemetery, Atglen, PA. Family and friends are also invited to attend the viewing at the church from 9:00 AM to the time of the service.

For those unable to attend the service a livestream will be provided. To view the livestream please click HERE.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg, PA. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com