Helen Lee Mills, 85, of the Penderlea community passed peacefully from her earthly life on Monday, March 31, 2015 at Brian Center in Wallace following a long bout with Alzheimers disease.

She was born on January 14, 1930 in Johnston County, one of seven children of Nathan Young Lee and Estus Eldridge Lee. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Julian Carol Mills; daughter, Joy Lee Mills; brother, Colvet M. Lee; two infant brothers; and sisters, Ruby Lee Gurganous, Ernestine Lee and Jessie Lee Miller;

Helen is survived by her daughters, Lynne Mills Jones (Randy) of Penderlea and Kathryn Mills Roberts of Raleigh; grandchildren, Lisa Renee Jones, Amy Jones Sholar (Philip), Michael Britt Jones (Meagan), Caroline Mills Roberts and Allison Clayton Roberts; great grandchildren, Taylor Jones, Evan Jones, and Lauren Sholar; many nieces, nephews and extended family.

For 35 years Helen and her husband, Julian, owned and operated Penderlea Store. In addition to being a merchant Helen worked and retired from Pender Memorial Hospital.

Helen's greatest joy in life was her beloved family. Her Christian spirit was always shining as she directed the choir for over 25 years at Potts Memorial Presbyterian Church where she also served as a deacon. Forever remembered are Helen's zest for life, her love of singing and music, her contagious laughter, her sweet spirit and most of all her faith in her Lord and Savior.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2015 at Potts Memorial Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Dr. William Goodnight and The Rev. John Fedoronko officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Casket bearers will be Britt Jones, Wayne McNeil, Phil Mills, Gene Gurganous, Paul McKeithan, and Lawrence Mills.

Following the internment the family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall.

The family suggests that you consider a memorial gift in honor and memory of Helen to Penderlea Homestead Museum, C/O Al Owens, 5490 Horse Branch Road, Willard, NC 28478 or to Joseph and Kathleen Bryan Alzheimer Research Center at Duke University, 2200 W. Main Street, Suite A-200, Durham, NC 27705.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.
Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2015 at Potts Memorial Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Following the internment the family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall.