Grace Jacqueline Mills

Jackie, 84, a lifetime Lee County resident, passed away on February 7, 2024, at Hope Hospice House in Lehigh Acres, FL. Jackie was born in Fort Myers, the second daughter of Dawson and Etta McDaniel. After graduating from Fort Myers High School, she attended St. Louis Institute of Music and Lee University in Cleveland, TN. Jackie’s gift for music and building community was evident in the time she dedicated to singing in her church choir, playing the piano and organ for church and family, hosting crafting parties in her home, and game nights with friends. She was a prayer warrior and confidant; her warm demeanor and smile welcomed many throughout her lifetime.

For the past 30 years, her neighbors in Pinebrook Woods sought her out for a bit of conversation or to provide wisdom and guidance. She was lovingly called “the Mayor” for her experience and leadership. Her career included roles at First Federal Bank, Lee County Board of County Commissioners, Lee County Tax Collector’s Office, Jimmy Roberts and Dawson McDaniel, and The School District of Lee County at Orange River Elementary and Riverdale High School. She retired in 1995.

For many summers, Jackie and Bill enjoyed spending time at Buffalo Camp in Blowing Rock, NC, where they entertained family and friends who visited. They also enjoyed the many cookouts, Christmas in July activities, and card games – especially Hand and Foot. In her retirement, she also adopted several dogs, whom she lovingly spoiled. For the past year, she lived at Fountain Crest Retirement Community in Lehigh Acres, where she made a host of friends and acquaintances.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, John W. Mills; daughter, Joy M. Mills; parents, Dawson and Etta McDaniel; sister and brother-in-law, Bobbie Jo and Franky Daniels; mother and father-in-law, Richard and Lula Mills; and brother-in-law, Charles R. Mills.

She leaves behind her son, John D. Mills; brother, Dawson C. (Georgianna) McDaniel, and children, George (Christina) McDaniel and Anna (Allison) McDaniel-Wyatt; nephew, Alan Daniels; nieces, Kimberlee (Dutch) Schulze and son, Grant (Brianna) Williams; Brenda (Anthony) Montella and sons, Glades and Griffin McKenzie and daughters, Victoria and Gianna; Cindy (Travis) Johnson; sister-in-law, Emily Mills; niece, Suzanne (Tom) Eades and children, Emma Grace and Charlotte; as well as cousins and dear friends who will miss her greatly.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Hope Hospice for their commitment to providing quality care with dignity.

A private memorial service has been planned for the family. Memorial donations may be made to Broadway Community Church, 3309 Broadway, Fort Myers, FL 33901, or a charity of your choice.