Mary Frances Mills

Mary Frances Mills was born Mary Frances Sims to Milton and Velma Sims in Hannibal, Missouri on August 16, 1944. She was the middle child sandwiched between brothers Butch and David. In 1957, when Mary was 13, the family relocated to the Phoenix area.

Mary met James Lee Mills when she was 18 years old and knew immediately that he was the one. James felt the same, and the couple was married just five weeks after that first meeting. James and Mary’s love affair lasted 60 years, and toward the end, James said it wasn’t long enough. Mary certainly felt the same.

Mary ran her own upholstery business out of her home for 13 years, providing her the opportunity to do what she loved: serve others while raising her daughter, Sawana, who was born in 1984. Unfortunately, just five short years after Sawana joined their family, James was injured and could no longer work. In her typical fashion, Mary didn’t miss a step, heading back to the traditional workforce while James stayed home with Sawana. In addition to Sawana, the Mills family fostered Vicky Goodrich during her teen years.

Mary Mills was spunky, sassy, independent, strong, sharp, and loved her family and friends fiercely.

Mary is survived by her husband James, daughter Sawana (Eli) Grimmett, and their three sons (Mary’s grandsons) Gunner, Ace and Maverick. Mary loved those boys with her whole heart and leaves a huge hole in their world as well as in the lives of all those who were lucky enough to have known and loved her.

A visitation for Mary will be held Friday, February 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary, 719 North 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009. Her funeral service and committal will follow, starting at noon.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Greenwoodmemorylawn.com for the Mills family.