Mrs. Thelma Mills, 85, of Gray, passed away Sunday afternoon, August 3, 2025 at Baptist Health Lexington. She was born September 22, 1939 at Salt Gum, the daughter of the late Chester “Spur” and Florence Mills Bargo.
She was born a “tomboy” on her family’s farm, one of eleven siblings, and grew up resilient, resourceful and full of grit. She learned to sew by making clothes for her corncob dolls and feed sack dresses for her sisters, later becoming a self-taught seamstress who created everything from wedding gowns to beautiful, unique quilts. Her clever sense of humor often caught people off guard and made her even funnier to those not familiar with her quick wit.
She raised four unique, independent children and swore she didn’t have a favorite, though they all had their suspicions. Regardless, each did their best to win the title and she was proud of them, her grandchildren and great grandbabies to a near sinful level. She made fast friends everywhere, from the grocery store aisle to Dolly Parton concerts and loved family get-togethers, church gatherings, word search puzzles, feeding the hummingbirds, gardening and listening to gospel music a bit too loudly.
Her afternoon “stories” were sacred since the doctor ordered her to prop up her feet daily, and really, what else was she supposed to do? She was a master of fried potatoes, chocolate gravy and drop biscuits and likely produced hundreds of peanut butter rolls over the years. Above all, she loved her husband, Aster, deeply and filled every space and every heart she entered with warmth, wit and joy. She will be greatly missed by all who were honored to know and love her.
Thelma was a homemaker, grew up in the Dripping Springs Baptist Church and later became a member of the New Covenant Church.
On May 5, 1962, she united in marriage with Aster Mills and to this union five children were born.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Vernon and Randy Mills and siblings, Cordie Hubbard and husband, Lark, Lillie Bargo and husband, J.D., Troy Wilson and husband, Ray, Elsie Hubbard and husband, Howard, Eva Grubb and husband, Percy, and James Bargo and wife, Carolyn and brothers-in-law, Melvin Smith and Randall Price.
Survivors include her loving children, Alford Mills and wife, Shirley, of Gray, Doris Tackett and husband, Roger, of Eastern and Marsha Hubbs and husband, Gary, of Gray; a daughter-in-law, Linda Sue Mills of Gray; sisters, Axie Bargo and Eller Smith both of Hinkle, Doris Williams and husband, John, of Corbin and Marlene Price of Belleville, MI; cherished grandchildren, Aster Wesley Mills and wife, Michelle, Daniel Mills and wife, Courtney, Robert McKeehan and wife, Jamie, Jason McKeehan and fiancé, Christin, Lily-Kate Hubbs and Jasper Hubbs; great grandchildren, Meighan, Matthew, Reagan, Brandi, Virgil and Ridley; great-great grandson, Noah; among other loved ones and dear friends.
Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Saturday, August 9 at 12 Noon with Rev. Nick Gunn and Rev. Vernon Morris officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Callebs Creek Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be her grandsons.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Friday between 6 and 9 P.M. and Saturday prior to the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of THELMA MILLS.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.