Mary Cook Mills

Mary Cook Mills passed away on March 18, 2024, at the Harris Hospice Unit of Presbyterian Hospital.

Mary was born in Senoia, Georgia on July 29, 1939, to the late Virginia Dare Murray Cook (Honey) and Wilbur Allan Cook (Dusty). The family moved to Charlotte shortly after Mary was born, and she attended Myers Park Elementary, Myers Park High School, and Converse College.  While at Converse, Mary met John Nolan Mills Jr (Johnny) on a blind date, and they married shortly before Johnny graduated from the Citadel. After spending time in Laurens, SC, and Atlanta, GA, Mary returned to Charlotte and began her 45-year real estate career.

Mary and her family were longstanding members of Christ Episcopal Church,  Charlotte Country Club and The Junior League of Charlotte.  She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to entertain, play bridge, and read, but most of all, Mary enjoyed spending quality time with friends and family.

Mary is survived by her son, John Nolan Mills III, and wife, Wendy; their children, John Nolan Mills IV, and Eleanor Keating Mills; her daughter, Lee Mills Ham and husband, Ed; their children, Edwin Cutler Ham Jr. and Elizabeth Mills Ham; her sister Patricia Kallum, brothers Dusty Cook and Billy Cook, sisters-in-law Glenna Cook and Diane Glover and their children and grandchildren.  She is also survived by David Matthews (Dee Dee), a loving partner for 11 years, a wonderful grandfather to her grandchildren, and a fabulous friend and a cherished part of the family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Nolan Mills Jr, sister-in-law, Marilyn Mills Johnson, and brother, Thomas Ross Cook Sr. 

The family will be forever grateful to Tonya Reese, the Wellness Watchers staff, and the ladies at Charter Memory Care for their love, care, and commitment to Mary.

A private service for the family will be held at Christ Church.  In place of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s memory to Harris Hospice, 324 North McDowell Street Charlotte, NC 28204, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Carolina Funeral Service & Cremation Center.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Cook Mills, please visit our floral store.