Dorothy Mae Mills

Dorothy Mae Mills


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May 28th, 2016

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  • Death Date: May 28, 2016

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Biography: Dorothy Mae Mills was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on October 23, 1923 and passed into life with the Lord, May 28, 2016. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond A. Mills, Sr., her mother, Olla Mae Ballard, her father, Edwin Shirey, her step father, Clarence E. Ballard, Sr., and her brother, Alfred E. Shirey. She is survived by her son, Raymond A. Mills, Jr. (Pam), brother, C.E. Ballard, Jr., M.D., (Charlotte), granddaughter, Julia Kelle Mills, sister in law, Norma Mills Gibson and a host of nieces and nephews. Dorothy was a devout Christian, of Nazarene faith and a lifelong member of the First Church of the Nazarene. She graduated from Little Rock High School in 1940, now known as Little Rock Central High School. Dorothy was also a member of the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary. She began her cosmetology career immediately upon graduating and unbeknownst to many, secretly married her high school sweetheart, Raymond Mills, the night of graduation. Dorothy Mae, as many called her, loved to cook, bake and entertain at her home. She continued to do so until her health prevented it. She had an enormous recipe collection, which she shared with many family members and friends, as she could cook without them, as did her mother. Dorothy Mae had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing in the church choir, as well as on the radio with her husband. Singing was a passion that she shared with family members and on holidays after a meal was finished, it was a casual tradition to gather around the piano that her sister in law, Norma, could play beautifully, and the violin, which was played by Buster Crawford. Dorothy Mae owned and operated her salon, called Dorothy's Magic Mirror from 1970 to 2009. She actually gave her first permanent at age twelve. Her happiest place on her earth was that shop. She had many people work with her over the span of thirty nine years. She loved getting up early and being there all day long. She considered "the girls" she worked with (Alice Rhoden, Charla Golding, Linda Pedigo, Chick Jones & Sandra Roy), her family and her customers, her friends. There was a lot of laughter, a lot of tears and many, many stories told at 7801 Cantrell. Her family was her universe, her entire world, as she would say. She adored her parents, her step father, Pa Ballard, her brothers, C.E. and Al (June Bug) and of course, Raymond, her husband, but the light of her life was her only child, Ray and his only child, Kelle. She was devoted to their happiness and well-being. There wasn't anything in the world that she loved more or anywhere she would rather be than with them. She was fierce in her love for them as for life. She loved life and everyone that was in her life. Dorothy was extremely loyal and if you were lucky enough to be her family member or friend, she would go above and beyond to do all that she could to support you. She was one of a kind and will be missed every day. The family would like to thank the staff at The Highlands of Woodland Hills Nursing and Rehab, the loving staff at Arkansas Hospice that stayed by her bedside on her final day and the Pastoral Staff of the First Church of the Nazarene. There will be a graveside service Friday, June 3 at 2:00pm, at Pinecrest Memorial Park 7401 Highway 5 North in Alexander, Arkansas. The service will be officiated by Dr. Jim Daniel and Pastor Bobby Howard of The First Church of The Nazarene. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116 or The First Church of the Nazarene, 1200 N. Mississippi St, Little Rock, AR 72207 or The Salvation Army, 1111 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72201 or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com

Condolences(11)
C. E. Ballard, MD
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dorothy was the most wonderful sister God could have given to anyone. She was always there for me. I know that she is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Williams Family
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Condolences to the Mills family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, "heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds." May God bring you comfort and peace.
Kim Lewis
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Kelle,

Many thoughts and prayers for you and family., I know what a special person you were to her and she will be greatly missed.

Wishing you lots of wonderful memories to share and keep in your heart.

Lots of love,

Kim , Gray and Logan Lewis
Lynn Cooper
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Kelle,

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Dee Dee. I loved her laugh and she always had a smile on her face. She was so sweet and I am blessed to have known her. My prayers are with you and your family.
Cherie McKnight
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I practically grew up at Dorothy's Magic Mirror, and I cherish the memories. My mother, Judy, was a customer there for several years. Linda Pedigo gave my daughter, Rachel, her first hair cut. Love and strength to Kelle and her family.
Karen McAdams Thurman
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dee Dee was an amazing lady! I have so many happy memories of hanging out at her salon with Kelle. So much laughter!!! It was obvious to all of us the incredible bond that she and Kelle shared. Her spunky personality was infectious!! I feel lucky that I had those moments with this amazing lady. She was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.
My love and prayers for you my dear friend Kelle and to the entire family. ❤️
Ralph & Katy Cloar
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Kelle,
Katy and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your Grandmother. We know the huge role she represented in your life and how you cared for her. Our prayers and thoughts go with you.
Ralph & Katy
Psalm 32:8
sterling Fikes
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
This bright and shining lady will be missed. As a young girl, I remember her smile and voice when going to get my hair cut at Dorothy's Magic Mirror. I pray for her loved ones left behind for them to know she is in an amazing place. Prayers of love and strength.
Lindsey Munroe
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
A beautiful woman full of love, laughter and Gods grace. I just adored DD! Her smile and personality were so infectious!! I pray you Kelle and every family member will find peace in knowing God was ready to have DD shine in heaven!!
Phyllis Brents
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dorothy Mae was indeed one of a kind, a special kind who enriched lives around her, brought laughter to our worlds, and made work with her fun at the shop, at church, or at home. Carl and I were privileged to share life with Dorothy Mae in many roles, and we loved and enjoyed her in all of them. Feisty in nature and meticulous in appearance, she was a dandy!
DEANNE THOMAS
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
so many wonderful childhood memories with this wonderful lady!! i loved going over to her house with her beloved "kelle"---- she could say KELLE like no one else could!! we loved going up to the salon with her on Saturday's... after spending the night at her house. she will be missed by so many people, but her light will shine on in heaven...... love you dee dee...
deAnne Fogleman Thomas

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