Jerolyn "Jerry" (Griffin) Mills

Jerolyn "Jerry" Griffin Mills, 90, of Statesville passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at The Shannon Gray in Jamestown, NC. She was born on February 26, 1934, to the late Thomas William Griffin and the late Kathleen Bell Griffin.

Jerry graduated from Statesville High School and continued her education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Mitchell Community College. She married the late Phillip Mills, who passed away on November 12, 2020. Jerry was an active member of First Baptist until her health declined. She enjoyed volunteering for various ministries, such as "In As Much" days, the Clothes Closet, and White Christmas. Her most rewarding mission work came when she and Phil were part of a group from FBC who traveled to Wernigerode, Germany to help with carpentry, painting, and various tasks to complete the building project of a church in the village.

While raising her four children, Jerry worked as the bookkeeper for the family business, Mills Electronics. She was an office assistant at Spainhours Department Store, and then went to work at Best of America Childcare Center. She had a passion for taking care of the children in the Baby Classroom, until she retired.

Jerry served as First Lady during Phil's term as the NC Civitan West Governor. Both she and Phil were also chaperones for the SHS Grenadier Marching Band. They accompanied the band to competitions and performances across and beyond NC. When host families were needed for the Foreign Exchange Program at SHS, Jerry and Phil welcomed a student from Peru for a year. Ramiro quickly became a part of the family and remains so to this day. Jerry and Phil travelled to various countries for electronic conferences, always including their children on the trips.

Jerry had an infectious smile and gracious heart, always giving and doing for others. Sewing, decorating, gardening, and going to the beach were some of her favorite things to do. Many friends, family, and even strangers were on the receiving end of her kindness and generosity.

She is survived by her son, Phil Mills (Janis) of Statesville; three daughters, Jeri Koontz (Steve) of Statesville, Tracy Dolan (Gene) of Greensboro, and Paige McCarter (Keith) of Greensboro; six grandchildren, Justin Mills, Lauren Mills and fiancé Adam Tassitino, Andrew Koontz (Sara), Matt Koontz and fiancé Sarah Stidham, Cody McCarter, and Ryan McCarter; and two great­ grandchildren, Maddox Koontz and Weston Koontz.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11am, Thursday April 25 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Nelson Granade officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in Adams Hall. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Statesville at 815 Davie Ave., Statesville, NC 28677; Alzheimer's Association at alz.org/walk and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org.

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