Millie Jean Boyd-Bates

Mrs. Millie Jean Boyd-Bates, age 89, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Pleasant Valley Retirement Home, surrounded by her loving family.

Millie was born on March 7, 1936, in Dalton, Georgia, the beloved daughter and last surviving child of the late Robert Lee Henderson and Augusta Louise "Gussie" Crider Henderson. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Winfred Hoover Boyd and Kenneth E. Bates; grandchildren, Chase Penson, Adam Thomas, and Abel Thomas; brothers, Otis Henderson, John (Alice) Henderson, Rev. George (Bunnie) Henderson; sisters, Pearl (Clyde) Brewer, Pauline (Dot) Brewer, Nora Lou "Tootsie" Freeman, Annie Mae (Rev. Frank) Brumlow, Ethel Lee Williamson, Ruth (Freddy) Quarles, and Louise Wright.

Millie's life was shaped by resilience and selflessness. After the heartbreaking loss of her mother when she was just eight years old, Millie stepped into a role far beyond her years. With a very limited education, she faced a difficult childhood and worked tirelessly to help provide for her family. As a young girl, she became a caregiver and guiding light for her siblings, offering stability, love, and wisdom during the most challenging of times. This spirit of care never wavered throughout her life. Millie was known as a stable influence and a trustworthy soul who could always be counted on. She was deeply respected by all who knew her and was never known to speak ill of anyone. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, embodying strength, humility, and grace.

Millie is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Rita and Dale Roberts of Chatsworth, GA, and Vickie and Ronnie Jones of Soddy Daisy, TN; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Joye Boyd of Dalton, GA; grandchildren, Melissa Boyd and William Greig, Lacreasia and Mark Tant, Chris Thomas, Brian Thomas, Christy and Michael Moore, Amber Porch, Angie Roberts, Hannah Bearden, Amy Ellett, Brooke Jones, Dustin and Rachael Jones, Brandon and Yolanda Jones, Colton Jones, Chris and Dannielle Smith, Robert Campbell, Wesley and Ashley Campbell, and Danielle and Greg Cross; along with many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews who will carry on her legacy of love and kindness.

Services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Millie Jean Boyd-Bates will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend D.F. Wilson and Reverend Jerry Stewart officiating. She will be laid to rest at United Memorial Gardens with Mark Tant, Damien Casey, Nick Nealey, Damon Henderson, Joey Henderson and Wesley Campbell honored to serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday and again after 10:00 a.m. Tuesday until the service hour.

Click here to view the live streaming of the funeral service for Mrs. Millie Boyd.

A special thanks to the staff of Pleasant Valley Personal Care Home and Hearth Hospice.

Arrangements by:
Ponders Melrose Chapel
138 Melrose Drive Dalton, GA 30721

706-226-4002
www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Millie Jean Boyd-Bates, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Memorial Donation