Nell Elliott Mills

Nell Marie (Elliott) Mills of Greensboro, North Carolina went home to be with the Lord on February 21st, 2026. She was born the 11th child to William Carl and Nannie Lee Elliott on December 26th, 1935. She graduated from Jamestown High School. She married the love of her life, James Cleveland Mills. They had a wonderful life together that was filled with trips to Holden Beach, gardening, church, family, and friends. They were blessed with two children; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Nell was an enthusiastic gardener, having multiple blooms yearly that included tulips, roses, hydrangeas, and butterfly plants, and her favorite the hibiscus, “look at this one, it’s as big as a biscuit!” She was not afraid to get in the dirt or take care of her yard. She mowed, weeded, and cared for their piece of land with all her heart. They had several apple trees she enjoyed collecting her bounty from them and her garden plants and sharing them with others.

Nell was fond of hummingbirds and placed feeders for them and other birds throughout her garden. Throughout the years they had beloved animals- the most precious being their dog Chico. She savored the sunshine and would walk up and down her road- especially in the twilight hours after supper.

She enjoyed a good, sweet treat- ice cream being a favorite. Her grandchildren’s most requested food she made was her delicious broccoli, cheese, and rice casserole. She also made a lovely persimmon pudding. She and Jimmy loved a good seafood plate and would frequent the local Tides End weekly.

She was keen on painting with her favorite subjects being nature or still life. She also enjoyed working on puzzles and crafting. She crafted assorted items over the years- including making jewelry and Christmas decorations. She was a lover of consignment and was amazing at finding a good deal.

Nell was an avid fashionista and had a pair of shoes and earrings for every outfit. She studied cosmetology and had her own salon at home. She always believed in presenting your best self for any occasion. She used to say with a chuckle while looking in the mirror, “hair number 73 is out of place.” Her favorite colors were pink and purple, and she always liked to have her nails painted a shade of pink.

Nell was from a large family and cherished all her siblings and loved ones. She was blessed to have several family members close by to visit daily. She was a devoted Christian and attended Concord Friends as her home church. Nell will be remembered for her love of gardening and her impeccable taste for design and style. She will be dearly missed by many.

Nell is preceded in death by her husband James “Jim” Cleveland Mills, her parents, William Carl, and Nannie Lee Elliott; brothers, Carlton Elliott, Charles Elliott, George Elliott, and Raymond Elliott; sisters, Maxine Honeycutt, Betsy Reid, Ruth Crabtree, Helen Ray Long and Mary Alice Griffin, Nancy Manning, and Rebecca Luquer.

Nell is survived by both of her children, James Mills (Sharon), Steve Mills; her grandchildren, Jessica Brindle, Hannah Mills (Sendil), Austin Mills; great-grandchildren Nathaniel and Nicholas Brindle, Emerson Krishnan; and great-great grandchildren Scarlette Rose and James Cleveland Cadet; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America . This organization is near and dear to those that loved Nell.

We will remember Nell with a special memorial service to be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 1 pm, in the High Point chapel of Wright Funerals-Cremations with Rev. Eric Morrison officiating.

The family will visit with friends following the service.

Burial will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Guilford Memorial Park Cemetery.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point, is in charge of the arrangements.