Dr. Elizabeth Ann Nathaniel Mills departed this life and put on her heavenly wings peacefully in her sleep at home on Sunday, November 7, 2021. Elizabeth, affectionately known as "Liz" or "Lib", was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 6, 1933 to the late George Henry Nathaniel and Gussie Nathaniel Withers. Also proceeding her in death were her husband John C. Mills, her only sibling and beloved
sister, Lena Nathaniel Grier, and one son, Reginald Bernard Mills.

"Liz" a product of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system, and proudly a "West Charlotte Lion", received her BS degree from Bennett College in Greensboro, NC, a MSW from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and her PhD from the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY. Hercareer started in the late 1950's at the YWCA in Charlotte, and after receiving her MSW, continued on that path, when she relocated her family in 1968 to Rochester, New York to become the Director of the YWCA there. Once in Rochester, Liz's passion for advocating for those that didn't seem to get their fair share in the world of business and education led her into a career change in the early 1970's that became
a passion that lasted the rest of her life. Liz started with the position of Affirmative Action Coordinator at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Brockport, NY, moving on to one of her proudest accomplishments when she started the Minority, Women's and Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program for the City of Rochester, NY. During this time, Liz was heavily involved with the Urban League, NAACP, and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). In1984, Liz decided to come back to Charlotte to be closer to her mom. With no job on the horizon, she met with then Mayor Harvey Gantt, and discussed the possibility of starting an MWBE program for the City of Charlotte. That conversation led to the beginning
of Liz's tenure with the City of Charlotte and her second proudest accomplishment, her work developing the MWBE program for the City of Charlotte. Liz's "baby" and major accomplishment occurred in 2001 when she started her Consulting Business, "Liz Mills LTD". "Liz Mills LTD" helped countless minority business owners, aspiring business owners, women, contractors, and anyone else that wanted or needed
guidance, get the assistance they needed to not only be competitive when bidding on contracts, but win. "Liz Mills LTD" also provided Diversity and Purchasing training to businesses and State and Local governments. Liz actively worked as a consultant until she was 85 years of age.

Liz was baptized at First Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church West) at an early age, and maintained her membership there until she joined First Fellowship Charlotte in recent years. Liz was heavily involved with her church, and one of her favorites things was singing Tenor in the church choir; she truly loved her church family. Her Civic involvement was too numerous to name, with a few already mentioned. Liz
would want her membership in her beloved Bennett College Alumni Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, highlighted.

Grieving this devastating loss but holding on to the loving memories of Dr. Elizabeth Ann Nathaniel Mills are: her Daughters: Joni Mills Hicks (G. Tyrone) of Midlothian, VA; Candace Christine Mills of Charlotte, NC; Sons: Anthony (Tony) Mills (Teresa), and Keith Cameron Mills, both of Charlotte, NC; Shane Salter of Florida; "Special" Daughters: Franswa Kennedy-Cox, Deborah Williams Kinsey both of Charlotte, NC, and Gloria Salter of Maryland; Grandchildren: Tiffany Salter of NJ, Brittany Salter, Courtney Salter, Nigel Salter all of MD, and Moye' Salter of Fayetteville, NC; "Special" Grandson, TJ Hicks (Liz) of Midlothian, VA; Nieces: Cheryl Winchester of Charlotte, NC; Dr. Deborah James (Dr. Charles) of Asheville, NC;
Nephews: Rodney Grier (Mary) and George Grier all of Charlotte, NC, and a host of great nieces,
nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Due to COVID concerns, a graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at York Memorial Park at 2:00 pm.

A Celebration Service in Remembrance of our Beloved "Liz" is scheduled for Saturday, January 8, 2022. Details forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bennett College in Greensboro, NC in her name or to First Fellowship Ministries of Charlotte