Willa Faye (Stroud) Mills was born December 16, 1935, in Heart, Arkansas to Andrew and Laura (Norris) Stroud. She departed this life on July 27, 2024, at her home in Mammoth Spring, at the age of 88. She was united in marriage to Noel Mills on August 5, 1959, and to this union four children were born.
Willa Faye was a beacon of warmth and kindness, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Known and loved by her community, she shared her generous spirit with everyone she met. Her Southern hospitality was legendary, welcoming everyone with open arms and a warm smile. After 26 dedicated years of service, she retired from the Capital Mercury Shirt Company in Salem.
Her faith in the Lord was profound, and she gladly shared His love with others. As a lifelong member of the Heart General Baptist Church, Willa Faye devoted many years to teaching the preschool Sunday School class. In her later years, she became a faithful member of the Mammoth Spring First Baptist Church, where she enjoyed the company of the church ladies and served countless meals at VBS and church dinners.
Gardening was Willa Faye’s favorite hobby, and her beautiful flowers were a testament to her dedication and care. Her greatest joys were her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were the lights of her life, bringing her immeasurable happiness and pride. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family, cherishing every moment shared with them. Her unfailing love was the very heart of the family. She was the best wife, Mom, and Mama, whose presence will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to her family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her children: Shelia Young of Mammoth Spring, AR, Charlene Riley and husband Rick of Thayer, MO, Jim Mills of Mammoth Spring, AR, and Tammy Jones and husband Chris of Mammoth Spring, AR. Six grandchildren: Clint Young, Luke Young, Sara Busch and husband Gage, Amy Turnbough and husband Nick, Taylor Mills and wife April, and Emily Pyland and husband Evan. Seven great grandchildren: Callie Jo and Cody Young, Judson and Quinn Busch, and Ella, Addy, and Ash Turnbough; along with many other special nieces, nephews, family members and friends.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Noel Mills, her parents, sisters: Goldie Weaver, Grace Evans, Alice Pendergrass, Julia “Marie” Stroud, Imogene Crawford, Gerty Stroud; brothers: Orville Stroud, Glen Stroud, and Theodore Stroud, and one son-in-law, Harry Young.
In lie of flowers the family has asked that memorials be made to the :
Burks Chapel Cemetery
In care of Betty Benton
3857 Squirrel Hill Road
Glencoe, Arkansas, 72539
Funeral services for be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 6-8 p.m. at Carter Funeral Chapel, Thayer, Missouri.
Interment will be on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Burks Chapel Cemetery, Camp, Arkansas with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
