Dorthea Evelyn Mills, a resident of Anna, Texas, peacefully departed from this world on April 17, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on September 24, 1941, in Dallas, Texas, she was the beloved daughter of Lawrence Wayne Landers and Mary Edna (Reeves) Landers. Dorthea grew up in the Dallas Metroplex, where she cultivated enduring friendships and embraced the joys of community.
On January 1, 1956, Dorthea embarked on a journey of love and companionship when she married the late Maxie Wayne Mills in McKinney, Texas. Together, they crafted countless cherished memories and shared many happy years until his recent passing in March. Dorthea was dedicated to her family. She was known for her fiery red hair and the temperament to match.
In addition to her role as a devoted wife and homemaker, Dorthea contributed her talents to the McKinney Independent School District's food service department, where her kindness and dedication left lasting impacts on colleagues and students alike. She also dedicated many years working with Collin County MHMR. Her commitment to serving others extended beyond the workplace, as she was a devoted member of the Tabernacle of Praise in McKinney, where her faith found strength and comfort, as well as leading youth groups and volunteering her summers at christian camps. She could sing every hymn found in hymnals of the church and was the first to stand up and deliver a powerful performance of her favorite hymns.
Dorthea's legacy is one of love, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. She was a loving wife, a nurturing mother, a doting grandmother, a cherished great-grandmother, a beloved sister, and a loyal friend. Her unwavering faith and fiery spirit touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Dorthea is survived by her children, Judy Edwards of Anna, Texas, Evelyn Sparks and husband, Wayne of Sherman, Texas, and Tommy Mills and wife, Tammy of Anna, Texas; adopted son, A.J. Mills, also of Anna, Texas; six grandchildren, Darryl Dean and wife, Shannon, Stephanie Dean, Jennifer Strong and husband, David, Jason Sparks, Amber Edwards, and Tasha Mills; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Christian, Mykenzie and husband, Matt, Andy, Mason, Lily, Cheyenne, Brandon, Brooklyn, Lyric, Skylar and husband, Irvin, and Declan; brother, Larry Landers, brother, Gary Landers and wife, Dena; sister, Brenda Cole and husband Wilson, and host of other loving family members and cherished friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Maxie Mills; parents, Wayne and Mary, grandson, David Edwards; great-grandson, Grayson Dean; brothers Doyle Landers, Billy Landers, Melvin Blasingame and Charles Landers; sisters, Irene Strickland and Shirley Brown.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 22, 2024 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Dorthea’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/dorthea-evelyn-mills. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Sunday afternoon from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.