Dr. Mildred Viola Lott Close, affectionately known as Millie, reached her eternal reward to the City of Gold on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital. Millie was born on June 13, 1943 in Detroit, MI to Larry Cain and Inez Gwendolyn (Brooks) Lott.
She spent her childhood in Safety Harbor and Tampa, Florida and graduated from Howard W. Blake High School in 1961. She then attended the Historically Black College University (HBCU) Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL. On December 2, 1974 in Tampa, FL, Millie married a farmer from Cando, ND named Clifford Duane Close. They returned to North Dakota and raised two children, Tendai and Clifford Duane Close II. In 1984, Millie was ordained with the Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches and Ministers International. She was also ordained with Christian International Network of Churches and The International Association of Ministries. She, along with her husband, planted and pastored several churches around North Dakota. The lasting impact and legacy of Millie and her husband is still felt throughout the region.
While pastoring, raising children and often working in an outside job or business, Millie also continued her higher education. She earned a Bachelor of Theology and Master of Christian Counseling from Christian International Graduate College; a Master of Theology from Christian Life School of Theology; and she held a Doctor of Ministry from Minnesota Graduate School of Theology. She achieved a chaplaincy certification in addition to her other advanced degrees.
Millie is survived by her daughter, Tendai (Anaclet) Phiri of Suffolk, VA and son, CDR (retired) Clifford Duane (Aline) Close II of Virginia Beach, VA; her grandchildren, Noah Phiri, Sasha Phiri, Clifford Duane Trei Close III, and Desiree Close, and step grandchildren, Kai Studstill, Jonas Studstill, and Giovanni Studstill; siblings, Alan (Deborah) Lott and Patrick (Wendy) Warren; and sisters in Law, Evelyn Lott and Darline Lott, as well as multiple nieces and nephews.
Millie is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Rev. Larry Lott II, Donald Lott, Steve Lott, and infant brother, Vaughn; and spouse, Clifford Duane Close I.
Millie’s children rejoice in her heavenly reward and rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired). Proverbs 31: 28 Amplified.
