Patsy Joanne Bryant

Born in Amherst County on January 20, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Hilary Bryant and Mary Burley Bryant. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Kay Frances Bryant Cyrus.

Patsy is survived by her three children, Dale Mills, Sharon Speas (Mark), and David Mills; six grandchildren, Carson Mills, Cole Millner (Camryn), Jessica Speas Watson (Ron), Brandi Walker, Jannelle Carter and Mike Mills (Courtney); nine great-grandchildren; and her sister, Donna Harris Kitusky (Bill).

Patsy was a woman of determination and lifelong learning. While working and raising her family, she attended college, demonstrating the perseverance and strong work ethic that would define her life. She enjoyed a successful career in purchasing, serving for nearly 20 years as a buyer with Babcock & Wilcox. Following her retirement, she continued to share her knowledge and experience as a buyer for Delta Star. She was a Lifetime Member of the National Association of Purchasing and held a Purchasing Management Certification.

Beyond her career, Patsy embraced life with enthusiasm and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was an active member of the Fort Hill Women's Club, loved playing bridge, and treasured the friendships she made through the Red Hat Society. She especially enjoyed traveling with her family and creating lasting memories together. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Monroe.

A service celebrating Patsy's life and faith will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Whitten Monelison Chapel. Interment will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge all of her caregivers and the staff at Runk & Pratt especially Carolyn and Alice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Monroe.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eulogy read at the funeral:

Patsy Joanne Bryant Aug 22,2015 Updated by Sharon July 17, 2026.

Joanne was one of the three siblings born to Hilary Pace Bryant and Mary Wilson Burley.

She was born January 20, 1939 in Amherst County at Grandma Lola’s Home Place on Burley Hollow Road.

Joanne had two sisters - Kay Frances Bryant Cyrus, who died January 2013 and youngest, and only surviving sister Donna Sue Harris Kitusky. Donna would like to share that Joanne was the one person in all of her life that she could count on – and she wishes everyone had someone like her in their lives.

Prior to moving to Lynchburg as a child, she lived in various cities in VA, WVA & TN

She was Married to Waverly Carson Mills July 18,1959. Waver1y died 2/27/74, at age 36.

Joanne had 2 Years at Mary Baldwin College while working and raising her family

She received her Lifetime Membership in the National Association of Purchasing with her Certified Purchasing Management Certification and traveled for her job.

She attended CVCC while working full time, and raising a family.

She worked nearly 20 years @ Babcock & Wilcox, then known as B&W Fuel Co., now BWXT, and Retired from Delta Star as a Buyer. She also worked for INSERVICE America and Lutheran Family Service.

Joanne married Jessie Lyle Moore for 12-13 years and belonged to the Fort Hill Woman's Club, where she also played bridge, as well as at other Bridge Clubs. She also loved being involved with The Red Hat Society and enjoyed their gatherings.

In 1985 Joanne graduated from Mary Baldwin College, Sharon from East Tenn, State University, and David from Appomattox High School. Dale had already begun his long career. She was so proud of all of her family. Treasured Keepsakes filled her office.

Joanne Dated Hugh Fulcher for years and they remain true friends. She traveled overseas to Europe with Hugh and his children, Kara & Keston. He has been by her side for many years – through thick and thin and visited often.

Years later when she relocated from Concord to Madison Heights, Joanne returned to her home church of First Baptist Church of Monroe and participated in many activities - belonging to the Women's Missionary Unions, hosting many Sunday School parties, WMU and family gatherings. Joanne loved Christmas and any type of entertaining and did so much of it during her life until her health did not permit.

She Cruised to the Caribbean where she learned to snorkel and enjoy the beauty of the ocean with daughter, Sharon. They also took numerous vacations to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, British West Indies and regular trips to the Outer Banks and North Myrtle Beach until her health declined rapidly nearly 6 years ago.

Joanne was most excited when her son David took her to see the Neil Diamond, Alabama and Barry Manilow concerts. These were the first concerts she had ever attended. Joanne was excited when she and Dale spent a vacation together with his first wife, Kim, at the beach. Dale assisted with yard work for years and hauled furniture to/from Runk & Pratt and countless loads in clearing out her home. David cleared Mom’s back yard often with his bush hog and took care of Mom’s house while she was away. He also handled all of her many financial affairs, countless medical bills and decisions for these 6 years. All three children helped in many ways with their talents and giftings.

David called his mother daily and when Joanne forgot to take the cell with her when she was walking, David got off from work several times to track his mother down, fearing she had fallen. Her children were most concerned about her falling or being in an accident, so they bought a lanyard and made certain that Joanne wore a cellphone around her neck while walking or working around her home. Joanne relied heavily on David for minor repair problems, which he performed on his many lunch breaks. She often said she did not know what she would have done without his help.

Mark Speas has been an asset with his assistance to Joanne helping her with yard work and other chores. He always remembers her on special occasions with flowers for Mother’s Day and special cards and phone calls. Truly, Mark is a good son-in-law.

Joanne called all of her family - gems. She was so proud of all of them and was always concerned about their health as well as safe arrival to their various destinations. She loved each one immensely. This was certainly evident while cleaning her office as her house had to be sold for her healthcare needs. Sharon’s Best Friend since 7th grade, Carol, bought Joanne’s house and it continues having life, as well as thriving.

Joanne asked her children to give her flowers while she was living, not after she passed on.

Her children and sons and son in law particularly did so, always giving her flowers on Mother’s day Joanne saved numerous cards from her children and displayed them proudly so she could share them and know the love they had for her and for each other. Joanne’s daughter, sent flowers one year to her work on Sharon's B/D and said "thanks for having me.” That was the talk of all around the office. Sharon always came to church with her on Mother’s Day, which was the highlight of the year. The boys also came on many special occasions. Mom loved to entertain and did so until her health failed. She was walking and swimming up until the day of her long hospital stay which resulted in full time care.

Joanne Loved her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews – especially her sisters Kay Cyrus (Deceased Jan 2013), Donna Sue and husband Bill. Donna Sue always loved and cared for her, bought and brought her many things – clothes, jewelry, blankets, pillows, cards and flowers. How much Joanne loved her family was evident of the Memorabilia in her office and all over her home. All of Donna Sue’s children loved her and called her “Aunt Jo” and would visit and spend time often. Joanne also loved her sister Kay & Richard’s family in Roanoke & NC and kept in touch often.

Patsy Joanne Bryant leaves behind eldest son, Dale Carson Mills, grandsons Cole Milner and Carson Mills; daughter Sharon Mills Speas, husband Mark Speas, step daughter Jessica Speas Watson (granddaughter), great grandson Josiah Conner; son David Wayne Mills, daughter Brandi Walker, great grandson Nick Sheldon, great granddaughter Reece Sheldon, great grandsons Houston, Dallas, Austin; Grandson, Mike Mills, wife Courtney Mills, great grandson Jace Mills, great granddaughter Chloe Mills, Granddaughter Janelle & great grandson Jackson. And a host of nieces, nephews and loved ones.

On trips David would always bring back Pecan Log Rolls for Joanne. Later you could easily pick them up from Cracker Barrel, so Sharon would do so also. That is her favorite candy. She loved Strawberry Milkshakes, coconut cake, Lindt candy and PB&J uncrustables. Sharon would often bring a cooler bag and she would ask her if there was anything good in that bag [for her].

Mom especially wants to say “Thank you” to her best friend since High School, Richard Allen. His love, concern, help, Prayers and support have been the Best. They began working on this Eulogy since 2012.

Thank you to Rev Kevin A Chaney whose adulthood friendship, support and Prayers have been greatly appreciated. She said she truly enjoyed the many short trips we took on the motorcycle and car. Thank you to Hugh Fulcher for always being by my side and visiting, even while you were in pain. Thank you all for just being “You.”

She also wants to thank everyone for the flowers and Thank you to her special friends, to my bridge friends, Delores and friends coming to see me in rehab to play Bridge. These were TREASURED MOMENTS.

Thank you to my wonderful and sweet neighbors who often helped so much – Wendy Edwards & Bonnie, Lewessa, Dennis & Liz, Hunter & Miranda, & Richard “Birdman” who is in Heaven and others. Special thanks to friends Tom Via & Pam who visited and attended our Olive Garden dinner gatherings.

Thank you to her many Medical professionals; final care Runk & Pratt Leesville with Carolyn, Alice and the wonderful giving staff, as well as James River Hospice – whose care and compassion was greatly appreciated. Thank you to ALL of the many caregivers, patients and visitors. No matter Mom’s pain level, she was always nice and appreciative to those caring for her. Everyone loved her everywhere she went and even in her final years, she was still beautifully dressed. She was an encourager and loved to celebrate any Victory - cheering us on – now, she is cheering us on from Heaven. Thank you for coming – thank you for sharing her life.