Frances Cox Mills passed away peacefully August 29, 2017 at her home in Midland, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Steve Schorr officiating.Frances was born January 19, 1932, on her family ranch in Glasscock County, Texas, to John Henry and Eva Calverley Cox. Frances grew up on the ranch with three older brothers and a younger sister and attended school in Garden City until after World War II. She graduated from San Angelo Central High School where she was honored as Miss Good Citizen. After graduation, she attended Texas Tech University where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Frances discovered two loves while at Texas Tech – John Mills and the game of bridge. She and John were married December 27, 1951, at Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Garden City. Their rehearsal dinner was held at the historic Settles Hotel in Big Spring. They moved to Midland after the wedding where John began his career in the oil industry.Frances and John raised three children in Midland: John Mills, Jr., Melinda Williamson, and Steve Mills. Her life was filled with many volunteer and social activities, bur her primary focus was her husband, her family and her faith. Frances and John were charter members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where they met dear, lifelong friends. Frances served the community in many capacities including various positions in the PTA, Girl Scouts and the Midland Planning and Zoning Commission. She was on the board of the Junior League of Midland and served as president. She earned her life Masters in Bridge and spent many lively afternoons at the bridge table.Frances loved life, enjoyed people, and never met a stranger. She loved her friends and family and had a fierce, inspirational, and independent spirit. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, John Mills, and her son, John Mills, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Melinda Williamson; her son, Steve Mills and wife Dodie; her daughter-in-law, Tammy Mills; grandchildren, Claire Pearson and husband David, George Williamson, Morgan Mills, Dillon Mills and fiancée Abbey Jackson, Kalin Racine and husband John, Talia Cox and husband Todd, and Micah Mills; and great grandson, Luke Cox.The family would like to express their gratitude to Hospice of Midland, Dr. Raj Patel, and Martina Olivas for their devoted care and loving support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Amazing Place, 3735 Drexel, Houston, TX 77027, amazingplacehouston.org, Hospice of Midland, or First Presbyterian Church.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
