Lena (Simon) Mills Obituary

With hearts full of love and profound gratitude for a life beautifully lived, the family of Mrs. Lena Mary "Greta" (Simon) Mills, age 91, announces her peaceful passing on the evening of Sunday, October 12, 2025. Lena was the devoted and beloved wife of Lawrence Lee "Larry" Mills, with whom she shared 43 cherished years of marriage.

Born on November 28, 1933, in what was then British Guiana, South America, Lena's life was a testament to grace, resilience, and unwavering devotion. She was a proud citizen of both Canada and the United States, and her legacy reflects the richness of a life that touched many across continents and generations.

To know Lena was to witness elegance in motion. As a talented ballroom dancer, she captivated many — including the man who would become her husband. Her deep love of the arts extended to poetry, where although unpublished, her written words reflected the same poise and depth with which she lived her life.

Professionally, Lena led a vibrant and varied career: a dance instructor at the Arthur Murray Studio, a manager at the Gloria Marshall Figure Salon, and later, an entrepreneur and proud small business owner of Heritage Figure Salon. In all she pursued, Lena brought a quiet strength, a nurturing spirit, and an enduring grace.

Above all, Lena was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the joy of her life, and her warmth, wisdom, and love will continue to echo in the lives of all who knew her. Lena will also be remembered and known as the Halloween Lady of Laurel Glen.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Clementina (Tappan) Simon; two brothers; three sisters; and two beloved grandchildren, Sean Holland and Anna Mills.

Lena's memory will be forever treasured by her husband Larry Mills; her children: Jacqueline Johnson (Richard), Suzette Caldeira, Lynne Caldeira, Gerri Ortiz(Alan), Debra DeShaw (Glenn), and Michael Mills (Donna); her sister, Annetta Carroll; ten grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.

A Funeral Mass in celebration of Lena's life will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Coile and Hall Funeral Directors, 333 E. Johnson Street, Hartwell, GA 30643. She will be laid to rest at Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 1009 Benson Street, Hartwell, GA 30643 — a place of worship close to Lena's heart.

Services are entrusted to Coile and Hall Funeral Directors and Crematory of Hartwell, GA.