Irene Mills

Irene Mills, 84, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, after a long and fulfilling life.

Born on August 24, 1941, in Emporia, Virginia, Irene was educated in the Portsmouth Public School System. She dedicated many of her working years to London Fog and the Ralph Lauren Polo Factory, where she was known for her strong work ethic and friendly spirit.

Irene will be remembered for her loving heart, sharp wit, and joyful nature. She had a special gift for finding happiness in life's simple pleasures-especially a good bargain-and her generosity knew no bounds. Every Christmas, she made sure everyone had a wrapped gift, no matter how small. She was a master of the perfectly timed sassy remark, a fiercely competitive card player, and a woman who would feed you if you were hungry-and cuss you out if you were wrong.

Above all, Irene taught those around her to love unconditionally, laugh often, and live fully. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort knowing she is now with the Lord. If Irene could leave us with her own words, she'd surely say:
"Don't cry because I'm gone; instead, have a drink and be happy you knew me."

Irene was preceded in death by her father, Willie J. Mitchell; mother, Pleasant Mitchell; husband, Vernon L. Mills; son, Curtis Mitchell; and siblings, Lacy "Junie" Mitchell, Willie "Pee-Wee" Mitchell, Ernestine "Tine" Cambron, Ella "Puddin" Rodgers, Felicia "Lisa" Miller, and Alinda "Linda" Mitchell.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Vernon "VJ" Mills; daughter/niece, Tammy Johnson; siblings, Irvin Mitchell, Debra Williams (Ronnie), Alvin Mitchell, Terry Mitchell, Tony "Baby Bird" Mitchell, and Eva Mae Melville; brothers-in-law, James "Boosie" Rodgers and Freddie "Seahag" Miller; sister-in-law, Diane; grandchildren, Curtis "Lamont" Morris (Sabrina), Bryan "Hub" Morris (Daisy), Kyneshia "Neshia" Morris, Lashqwa "Lala" Mills, Vernicia Mills, and Stephen "JR" Chaffin; along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Irene also leaves behind a special nephew, Twan Johnson, who held a very dear place in her heart.

Her legacy of love, laughter, and strength will live on through all who were blessed to know her.