Edward J. Mills Sr.

Edward J. Mills Sr., son of the late Ella Holland, was born on November 21, 1950, in Roanoke, Virginia. He was one of three children. On October 4, 2024, he departed this life, surrounded by family.
Edward, affectionately known as "Mills," grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, and received his education within the Delaware public school system. Throughout his life, he held various positions, ultimately making Harvin Foods his final place of employment. He dedicated over 30 years of his life as a CDL truck driver before retiring.
On June 13, 1987, Edward married Mercedes D. Mills, and they remained happily married for the rest of his life. Mills was strong-willed and occasionally stubborn, but he had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, loyal, brave, clever, and full of wisdom gained through his life experiences.
Mills loved music from the 1950s to the 1970s, with Howlin' Wolf, B.B. King, and Curtis Mayfield being some of his favorites. He also enjoyed watching Westerns, fishing, fast cars, motorcycles (even though his daughter Neacole scared him when she rode hers), drag racing, and cooking with his wife, where he proudly served as her "sous chef." He was an avid traveler and will be fondly remembered for his jokes and as one of the Dallas Cowboys' biggest fans (his famous line: "How 'bout them Cowboys!").
Mills was a beloved father, grandfather, and friend who touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He cherished his family deeply, never hesitating to tell them he loved and appreciated them-sometimes with a hug, but most often with a playful "curse word and /or The Finger."
Edward was preceded in death by his mother, Ella Holland; his brother, Clifton Mills; his aunt, Dora Word; and his mother-in-law, Frauline M. Trotter.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Mercedes D. Mills; their two children, Edward J. Mills Jr. and Mercedes Neacole Mills; his oldest son, Edward Llnael Hammond ("Scooter"); his daughters, Tameka Mills Evans, Sherita Mills-Brown, and Shantell Mills; the bonus child he raised, Johniquea Powell; his sister, Carolyn Mills-Freeman; two sisters-in-law, Portia Hall and Kimberly Trotter; granddaughter, Taylor Roberts; a host of grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Special friends include Lafranz ("Redz"), Paris Hall,") Paris Hall, Fredrick Hall and dearest nephew, Nicholas Trotter.