Heaven’s gates opened wide to receive Margaret E. Mills (Momma Mills) into rest on Aug. 29, 2011, at Sentara Obici Hospital. Margaret, affectionately known as Evelyn, was a native of Whaleyville, Va. She was born on Jan. 5, 1935 to the late Dora and J.C. Outland.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elder Herman Mills.

A devoted member of Greater St. Stephen’s Pentecostal Holiness Church, she worked faithfully until her health failed. She was a member of the choir, Pastor’s Aide and the past president of the Missionary Board.

Evelyn loved to cook for family and friends. She especially enjoyed and her specialty was making hot homemade rolls, sweet potato pies, coconut pies and cakes. She also loved to write poems. She had the God-given gift of welcoming the congregation into the service.

She worked at Planters for many years and later retired as a nurse’s aide after 25 years of dedicated service.

Evelyn leaves behind to cherish her beautiful memory: a son, Sanchez Mills (Janice); daughter, Juanita Watford (Larry); brother, Carlton L. Outland (Wanda); sister-in-law, Bernice Ebron (Howard); aunt, Lillie Mae Wilburn; great-aunt, Ella Mae Jenkins; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 2 at Rising St. James Pentecostal Holiness Church. She will be laid to rest at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

Professional funeral arrangements are entrusted to Wyatt & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.