Carol Ann Mills

Carol Ann Mills passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, at her home in Dover, Delaware, in the loving care of her family.
Carol was born January 16, 1943, to John Earl Wood and Dorothy Anna Wood in Oskaloosa, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Bobby Wood and Jerry Wood.
Carol grew up in Iowa, where her strong work ethic and independent spirit showed early. As a child, she found creative ways to earn spending money for her favorite weekend outings: movies and roller skating. With her father's help, her first job was a paper route, and by her teenage years, she was working as a nanny for a local doctor's family. Carol also loved spending time with her dad, watching him fix and build things-experiences that sparked a lifelong curiosity. Carol moved to Aurora, Colorado, with her parents when she was seventeen and graduated from Central High School in 1961.
It was through mutual friends that Carol met the love of her life, Leland (Lee) LeRoy Mills. After their very first date, she returned home and told her mother that she had just met the man she was going to marry. True to her word, they were married on December 9, 1967, and shared 57 years of loving companionship, and they were inseparable.
In 1971, Carol left her career at Allstate Insurance to become a full-time homemaker and mother – roles she cherished and poured herself into wholeheartedly. She attended every school function for her children and spoiled her family with many delicious home-cooked meals.
Carol had a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh, and her quick comebacks and playful nature brought joy to everyone around her. She also had a deep love for the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The family often took day trips to the mountains together – some of their most treasured memories were made there, enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
In 2009, Carol and Lee moved to Delaware to be closer to their daughter, Lisa, and granddaughter, Britteny. Over the years, they were blessed with many visits from Britteny and her family. Carol loved being able to help care for her great-granddaughter when she was an infant. Many holidays, birthdays, and meals were shared, making treasured memories. Britteny loved spending time with her "Grandma" and provided exceptional care each week during her final months.
A devoted football fan, Carol cheered passionately for the Denver Broncos, and Sundays during football season in Colorado were a family affair centered around the game and indulging on her homemade caramel popcorn, nachos, and caramel apples. After moving to Delaware, Carol soon adopted the Philadelphia Eagles as a new favorite NFL team.
A lifelong artist, Carol had a passion for pen and ink drawing and enjoyed working in a variety of creative mediums. She made stained glass art alongside her husband, painted ceramics with her daughter, and delighted in sewing clothes for Barbie and Cabbage Patch dolls for her daughter when she was small – sewing was a hobby taught to Carol by her mother. Carol loved to garden, paint, and draw, and was an avid reader with a thirst for knowledge. Whether it was a documentary, a DIY program, or a cooking show, Carol was always eager to learn something new.
Carol is survived by her husband, Lee L. Mills; her son Brian C. Mills (Lindy); son Jeffrey A. Mills; and daughter Lisa A. Mills-Grubbs. Five grandchildren, Justin A. Mills, adopted and raised by Carol and Lee from a very young age; Britteny A. O'Connor (Ryan), Jeffrey Marcheso, Jason Marcheso, and Adeline Mills. She was a proud and loving "Nana" to her two great-grandchildren- Angelina N. Mills and Ryan P. O'Connor Jr.
Carol's life was marked by love, laughter, creativity, and resilience. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved her.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Townsend Church, 4519 DuPont Pkwy, Townsend, DE 19734, from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM. The memorial service will begin at 11:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol's memory can be sent to Townsend Church, 4519 DuPont Pkwy, Townsend, DE 19734.