Mildred A. Comins

Mildred Ann Comins (Millie) passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on October 3, 2016. She was born Mildred Ann Ehle on July 10, 1928, she retired from General Telephone Company (GTE) which is where she met Robert (Bob) Comins who was the love of her life. They were married in 1965.

Bob and Millie were members of Bethel Temple Assembly of God in Tampa. After retiring from GTE they became very active in the Golden Years Group. Millie loved making memories with her friends and family, she was always taking pictures to put into her many photo albums. Millie remained active in the church until her illness with Alzheimer’s prevented her from attending, Bob predeceased her in 2007.

After Bob’s death Millie was very lonely and she sought out a companion, which is how she found Dachshund Adoption Rescue and Education (DARE) where she adopted a dachshund, whom she promptly named “Honey” after Bob. Little did she know that by rescuing Honey she would forever change her life and the life of her granddaughter and caregiver Alicia Michele Duval.

Honey helped Millie get through that first year of loneliness following Bob’s death by becoming the second love of her life and constant companion, often with his nose up her pants leg at her feet, he remained by her side until he crossed the rainbow bridge in 2014. In 2008 Millie moved in with her son Michael and his wife Patty so that she was no longer alone and where her granddaughter Alicia could eventually take on the roll as full time caregiver and advocate for 8 years, a job that she took very seriously. (Medical staff usually feared Alicia and loved Millie but she always got the best care)

Even as her memory loss became more severe, and her care became more involved she never lost her happy spirit or love for ice cream and Jesus.

Often traveling with Alicia on rescue assignments across the sate, posing for the camera or video, Millie made friends wherever she went, including on a cross country trip to visit her daughter Terry in 2011.

Millie even had her own fan club that checked in daily via Facebook from all over the US. Everyone loved her and she loved everyone. Before going home to be with her Lord and Savior, Mille received prayer, love & blessings from her daughter Terry and son Michael. As she started her journey home Millie was held in Alicia’s arms and comforted by her daughter in law Patty and bonus family member Lenamarie Figueroa.

Then quietly, in her own bed, with familiar people, sounds & smells, she took her last breath at 11am, listening to Bridge Over Troubled Water by Celtic Women. Millie is survived by her three children: Raymond (Skeeter) Duval, Michael J.Duval, his wife Patty and Terry Ann Duval Opperman, husband Bob. She had two stepchildren with Bob: Michael Comins and Rick Comins.

Millie and Bob had a total of ten grandchildren: Eric Duval, Jeannie Duval Jones, Alicia Michele Duval, Steve Opperman, Tim Opperman, David Opperman, Jason Comins, John Comins, Justin Comins and Erin Comins Albritton. Millie loved the color purple, so much so that her and Bob’s bedroom and bath were done in lavender, he always said whatever made her happy made him happy.

The family is requesting that anyone who attends to please wear a shade of purple if at all possible in her honor. Visitation will take place Saturday, October 8th, 2016 at 4 pm followed by a celebration of life service at 5 pm at Garden of Memories Funeral Home 4207 East Lake Ave. Tampa, FL. 33612 . **A private graveside burial for the family will be on Monday morning.