Evelyn M. Mills

Evelyn Marie Mills entered into the joy of the Lord on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the age of 94. She was surrounded by her beloved children and grandchildren.

Evelyn was born on March 22, 1931, to the late Lewis and Sophie (Weaver) Walker in Dover, Ohio, where she later attended school. She is survived by her loving husband James W. Mills whom she wed on October 17, 1948. From this union they were blessed with four children - two boys and two girls. The couple just celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary. Over the course of those 77 years, they created a beautiful life filled with memories and family.

Evelyn is survived by her children Moyenda (Raymond Mills) Hashim and his wife Effe of Richmond, Virginia, Deborah Short and her husband James of Accokeek, Maryland, Martha Jean Mills of Dover, Ohio, and James Eric Mills and wife Daphne of Ellenwood, Georgia; her 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her sisters and brothers, Wilma Houston, Wilkie Johnson, Evangeline Tate Pryor, Lois Mack, Leroy, Lewis, George, Leon, and Ronald Walker; and her great-grandson Keyen Larimer.

While raising a family, Evelyn was an active member of her community. She was the first African American to be employed by Dover City Schools, where she worked for 30 years in the high school cafeteria. She was a long-time faithful member of Dover’s First Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir, belonged to the Women’s Missionary Group, and taught Vacation Bible School. She belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star in Uhrichsville, Ohio, for nearly 60 years and held every office, including that of the Worthy Matron. Evelyn was an incredible seamstress who enjoyed baking, attending yard sales, and going to auctions in her free time. She was a sports enthusiast who always watched her favorite Ohio teams. Evelyn was the biggest supporter of her children's and grandchildren’s athletic and academic achievements. She always had encouraging words and messages to share not only with her family but with everyone she encountered.

Family and friends are welcomed to attend calling hours on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home, 803 N. Wooster Ave. Dover, Ohio 44622. Evelyn’s homegoing service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 140 Regent St., Dover, Ohio 44622, at 12 pm, with a viewing from 11 am to 12 pm. The service will be officiated by Evelyn’s nephew, Reverend Ronald D. Walker Jr.

Contributions in Evelyn’s memory may be made to the MS Foundation, and the family requests that those who wish to send flowers only send white arrangements-flowers in honor of Evelyn.

Evelyn Marie Mills was a strong, prayerful woman with an unforgettable sense of humor, a fun and joyful spirit, and a loving heart that was felt the moment you entered her space. She will live on through those who loved her.

God Bless!