Willie Mae Chapman Mills

Willie Mae Chapman Mills, age 96, of Little Rock passed away Tuesday, May 29, 2012. She was born August 21, 1915 in Hamburg, Arkansas, to the late John Robert Chapman and Addie Carruth Chapman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur L. Mills, who was affectionately known by many as "The Mayor of Hillcrest" and also by her siblings, Robert, A.B., Marvin, Wyatt, Quinton, and Leroy Chapman, and Ruth Peacock. Willie is survived by her sons, Dennis Mills and his wife, Barbara of Little Rock and Ronald C. Mills and his wife, Gwen of New Braunfels, Texas. Her grandchildren are Jason Mills, Justin Mills, Hunter Mills and Emily Clair Mills and great-grandchildren, Nolan Mills and Brynn Mills. Also surviving her is a sister, Elizabeth Lashenko and husband, Nick of Alameda, California and numerous nieces and nephews. Willie met her husband Arthur during WWII at the Maumelle Ordnance plant where they both worked. She worked for Blass Department Store in the 1950s, where she made many lasting friendships. She also owned and operated Mrs. Mills Childcare during the 1960s – 70s where she cared for and loved the children of many prominent Little Rock families. She also cherished friendships she made attending UCT and YBMA functions with her husband Arthur. Willie was a faithful member of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, where she and Arthur were members of the Young at Heart group and enjoyed their many activities and travel. A visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St. on Thursday, May 31, 2012 from 5 to 7 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park on Friday, June 1, 2012 at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, Ark. 72205. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.