Helen Snyder Mills

Born on November 17, 1927, in Manning, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late William Thomas Snyder and the late Dora DeBerry Snyder. Helen was a graduate of Manning High School and attended Anderson College in Anderson, South Carolina.

In 1947, Helen met her future husband, Muldrow Burgess “Buzz” Mills while he was visiting his brothers who were working in Manning. Their connection was immediate, and they married in 1950. Together, they raised a family guided by a legacy of integrity, faith, and respect. Lifelong memories and family traditions were created and cherished.

She is survived by her children, Randal Steven “Randy” Mills, Sr. (Carol), Nyla Mills Laney, and Muldrow Burgess Mills, Jr. (Frances). She was affectionately known as “Helen” by her eight adoring grandchildren, Randal Steven Mills II, Caroline Mills Williams (Kyle), Brock Allen Laney, Jordan Shelton Laney (Katie), Muldrow Burgess Mills, III (Monica), William Thomas Mills (Caroline), Sara Taylor Mills Haywood (Ransom), John Downs Mills (Kate); and nine great grandchildren, Adeline Mae Williams, Grayson Sterling Laney, Cooper Thomas Laney, Nolan Wells Laney, Margo Judy “Maggie” Mills, Elizabeth Taylor Mills, Frances Perkins Mills, Charles Ransom “Charlie” Haywood, Katherine Griffin “Kit” Mills; as well as numerous extended family members.

In addition to her parents, Helen was predeceased by her husband, Muldrow Burgess “Buzz” Mills, Sr.; siblings, Sylvia Cartledge, Charles F. Snyder, James DeBerry “Jim” Snyder, William Thomas “Billy” Snyder, and Benjamin Marshall Snyder, Sr.

Her love and enthusiasm for the outdoors was instilled at an early age growing up on a family farm. As the youngest child, she was happiest climbing pecan trees, riding mules, and keeping up with her older brothers. A lifelong athlete, she played various sports from varsity basketball in high school to competitive tennis until her late eighties. She shared her athletic passion and love for tennis with her children and grandchildren. Her reputation as a fierce competitor was also reflected in her approach to life with the same energy and discipline.

She was an active and devoted member of Washington Street United Methodist Church and the Traxler Sunday school class.

Above all, Helen’s greatest joy was her family. She was an encouraging and supportive wife and mother. Relished get-togethers she hosted for holidays and special occasions featured favorite “Helen” meals often including potato salad, spice cookies, and pound cake. She was her family’s story teller enthusiastically sharing stories of her life, family history, and events with memorable and vivid details. Her photography skills produced treasured memories and curated pictorial albums captured life’s special moments.

Affectionately known for her authenticity and unerring candor, she never wavered in her convictions in expressing her opinions. Her engaging personality, signature, classic hair bun, and occasional raised eyebrow were distinctive hallmarks of her energetic and genuine style.

She was always eager to tackle a home improvement project doing much of the tedious work herself. Her disciplined nurturing extended outside, and her yard was a testament to her attention to detail and dedication. Her resilient “can do” spirit was a significant trait, which provided strength as she faced health challenges in her later years.

She will be profoundly missed, but her enduring influence and the impact of the memories she created will be lovingly remembered forever.

The family extends their deepest appreciation to the caregivers who provided devoted care during the final season of her life; Sharon Payne, Espey Home Care, LLC, Tabitha, Octavia, Lottie, and the staff at Columbia Pines Senior Living. Her family also wishes to express gratitude to Teresa Temples and Dr. Bradley W. Word, Lexington Health, Inc., for their compassionate, professional care.

A private family Celebration of Life service and interment will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Washington Street United Methodist Church, 1401 Washington Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Dunbar Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.