Audree Lynne Mills

Audree Lynne Mills passed away on September 18, 2026, at the age of 62. Her family finds great comfort in knowing that after a lifetime marked by extraordinary courage and perseverance, Audree is now healed and made whole - running, dancing, and jumping, doing all the things her earthly body had not allowed her to do for so many years.

Audree was born on April 2, 1964, in Topeka, Kansas, to Vera Grace Weese Mills and Richard Leroy Mills. She was raised in Winter Park, Florida, and spent the last 15 years of her life in Birmingham, Alabama.

As a child, Audree was vibrant, outgoing, adventurous, funny, and strong-willed. She had a special love for animals from a very young age—a love that would remain an important part of her life.

At just 14 years old, Audree's life changed forever when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver. She suffered a traumatic brain injury and physical limitations that would affect her for the rest of her life. Her survival was miraculous, but perhaps even more remarkable was the way she lived the years that followed.

Audree persevered.

The determination and strong will that were so much a part of her personality as a little girl became some of her greatest strengths. She worked hard to be as capable and independent as possible and faced challenges most people will never fully understand. She was strong, courageous, and a fighter in every sense of the word.

Audree also had a heart for others. For many years, she volunteered at Winter Park Memorial Hospital, finding purpose and joy in helping others and brightening their days. Her lifelong love of animals also led her to pet therapy with her beloved standard poodle, Bonnee. Together, Audree and Bonnee brought comfort and happiness to others—something that brought Audree tremendous joy as well.

She loved dogs and animals of every kind, KU basketball, favorite television shows and movies, and sharing all the above with the people she loved. Her devotion to KU basketball was undoubtedly rooted in her Kansas beginnings and the connection it gave her to her dad.

Audree loved to connect with people. She was wonderfully funny and never seemed to meet a stranger. She was always ready with a story or a joke for anyone willing to listen—and often for those who weren't quite ready for one. Her humor, openness, and unmistakable personality made her unforgettable.

Audree lived with her beloved mother, Vera, until Vera's death on February 1, 2015. In the years that followed, Audree continued to live as independently as possible with the support of her family and caregivers. As her needs increased, she eventually moved into skilled nursing at Fair Haven, where she spent the final three years of her life.

Those years became a particularly meaningful season for Audree and her sister, Jennifer. They were given the gift of time together—a time marked by greater patience, acceptance, tenderness, and love. Jennifer was able to simply show up for her sister, and in doing so came to see even more clearly the purity and kindness that had always been part of Audree.

Audree was preceded in death by her parents, Vera Grace Weese Mills and Richard Leroy Mills.

She is survived by her sister, Jennifer Mills Kline, and Jennifer's husband, Jim Kline, whom Audree considered the BBILITWE (Best Brother-In-Law In The World Ever). She was a much-loved aunt to Jack Kline and his wife, Rachel Prickett Kline; Sam Kline and his wife, Brooke Tucker Kline; and Lucie Kline. Audree loved her family dearly, and they loved her.

For nearly 48 years after the accident that changed her life, Audree showed those around her what it meant to persevere. Her life was not an easy one, but it was a life of courage, determination, humor, service, connection, and love.

And now, the fight is over.

Audree is no longer limited by injury or by the body that carried her through so much. Her family rejoices in the promise that she is with Jesus—completely healed, completely whole, and completely free.

We can only imagine her now: running, dancing, jumping, laughing—and probably telling someone a joke.

A private family graveside service and celebration of Audree's life will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026.