Doris Wright Mills: Tabor City

1933 – 2024

     Doris Wright Mills of Tabor City went to her Heavenly home on March 4. She was 90.

     She was born on Aug. 30, 1933 in Tabor City. She was the daughter of the late Wilbur Anderson Wright and Elvie Garrell Wright.

     Doris was a long time employee of Southern National Bank, from 1963 until 1986 when she retired. She received a business degree prior to going to banking school in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Doris rose through the ranks and was named City Executive for the Tabor City office in 1973. She was the first woman to hold that title in the history of Southern National Bank.

     After her distinguished banking career, she with other members of her family, owned and operated the Jewelry Tree, which at one time had four stores throughout Horry County. She was a devout member of Tabor City Baptist Church, which she served faithfully for many years. She still took time to be a loving wife and mother.

     Mrs. Mills is survived by two sons, Dr. Michael L. Mills (Barbara) and Dr. T. Chuck Mills; six grandchildren, Chris Mills, Blair Mills, Hope Mills-Wood (Randall), Faithe Mills-Lahn (Ricci), Macon Mills, Brinkley Mills; nine great grandchildren, Jacob Rogers, Justin Rogers, Harper Mills, Brigham Wood, Nash Lahn, Cohen Lahn, Madeline Mills, Rafe Mills, Audrey Mills and Sister-in-law Drucilla M. Josephs (Bill); and niece Kathy Surdyke (Kevin).

     In addition to her parents Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Lynwood Mills; a son, Barry Mills; grandson Jason Mills; a sister, Catherine Hewett; a niece, Tracy Green Hewett; and a nephew, Charlton Hewett.

     She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend and loved dearly by all.

     Special thanks to the nurses and CNA’s at Loris Extended Care for the love and exemplary care during her stay.

     A graveside service was planned for her homegoing at Forest Lawn Cemetery at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 7, officiated by Rev. Marcus Fowler.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tabor City Baptist Church, 200 Live Oak St., Tabor City, NC 28463.

     Sign a guest register here.