Patrick Henry Mills Jr.

Patrick Henry Mills, Jr. was a loving and caring husband, son, father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He was born October 16, 1948 to the late Geneva Mills-Singleton "Nana" and Patrick Henry Mills, Sr. The late Eugene Singleton became a part of his life as step-father in his teen years. Patrick entered eternal rest in Jesus on November 28, 2025.

The beginning of Patrick's walk with God started as a youngster; he was baptized at an early age at Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Central Islip, New York. His God given gifts were honed as a child as he colored on rocks and pieces of broken glass he found during his outdoor adventures. Creativity honed, Patrick began to pursue his interest in art following graduation from Brentwood High School in Brentwood, New York in 1966. At the prompting and encouragement of his high school art teacher and his guidance counselor, he pursued his interest in art and took coursework at several schools and colleges, including New York State University at Farmingdale and Empire State College at Old Westbury. Patrick persevered and graduated from Old Westbury as an adult with an Associate's Degree in Visual Arts and worked as an instructor in creative arts programs such as Hands Across Long Island Outreach Center (HALO), programs that provided art as a therapeutic modality for people with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Additionally, he worked at Pilgrim State Hospital as a Mental Hygiene Therapy Aide (February 20, 1969 until September 10, 1982) utilizing his knowledge of mental health until he was injured on the job and could no longer work.

Patrick moved to Newport News from Baltimore, Maryland in 1997, initially on a temporary basis. God had other plans for him and he met his love, Mary, while working at an elderly group home. Their introduction while she was visiting a family friend at the group home led to their relationship and they married on October 9, 2007. The two were dedicated to loving each other and caring for each other, no matter what.

Patrick spent the majority of his life exhibiting and selling his art work in the metropolitan New York area, in African American art museums in Baltimore, in the James Gallery in Washington, D.C., and at a juried African American art show at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. Patrick has artwork on permanent collection at Downing-Gross Culture Art Center in Newport News, Virginia. His work was appreciated near and far; he was published in the local newspaper, the Daily Press, and his work was international with a piece selected to tour China in 2018. Patrick was a longstanding member of Art Central Gallery in Phoebus, Virginia where his work is displayed and sold.

While Patrick loved art, family was his main love. He loved spending time with his grandchildren at their sports games and all other academic and extra-curricular activities. Once the weather was warm, Patrick and his grandsons could often be found at any one of their favorite fishing spots. He spent time in family gatherings and loved to share his cooking skills. After Nana, he was the best at making southern collard greens. He enjoyed visitations with his friends and watching his favorite football team, the Pittsburg Steelers. He also was an avid music lover and many genres could be heard playing on Patrick's old vinyl records any day someone stopped in for a visit. Patrick was a people person and loved keeping in touch with family and friends that lived out of state. One of his good friends, Newuit Washington, came by every day and spent time with Patrick watching his favorite Western shows. Patrick and Mary tried to make annual trips to their favorite spot in Atlantic City, New Jersey for a little quiet time away.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, and baby brother Charles Mills.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife Mary E. Mills. Also, his legacy will continue through his sons, Eric Williams and Patrice L. Mills; stepsons, Jarrett A. Thornton and Michael E. Bryant; as well as daughters, Nikelle S. Bullock and Renee S. Konig; stepdaughter Edwina D. Higgs. His daughter-in-law, Mahia A. Mills and sons-in-law, Bryant Bullock and Gregory H. Konig will cherish family memories. Patrick's sisters, DJ Mills, Regina D. Mills-Hagans, and Stephanie Mills-Davis will keep his memories along with his brothers, Kenny Mills and Eric Mills and stepbrothers, David Singleton and Melvin Kittles. His lineage also includes grandchildren, Mosiah V. M. Mills, Joshua B. Bullock, Eliana M. Mills, Sharisse N. Bullock, Jeremiah E. Bullock, Elijah Mica Mills, Jordan M. Konig, Eric L. Williams, Erielle D. Williams, Davon M. Williams, Daryl C. Williams, Essence J. Williams, Peighton E. Bryant (step granddaughter) as well as multiple great-grandchildren. His uncle Zack Roberson and aunt Ruby Johnson cherish fond memories of their life together. There are multiple extended family and friends who will cherish Patrick's memory as well.

A service to celebrate Patrick's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. At the request of the family, there will be no public view.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com