JoAnn Cole Mills,90, of DeRidder, LA, was called to her Heavenly Home on October 12,2023. 

She was born April 26, 1933 to parents Seth and Mary Cole. She lived a life, A life full of excitement and love.

She was raised on a sheep ranch in DeRidder, along with her two sisters (Bobbye Lee Temple and Merle Jopes). They were tasked with all of the duties that were required on a ranch. This formed a characteristic development of strength and determination; ultimately influencing her to accomplish task in a timely manner. Knowing her, you knew she did not like to stay still and was always wanting to be involved in everything.

On this ranch, love was formed. A love of family and eventually from the encounter of Bobby Mills (her husband of 61 years, married December 19, 1954) who came to work on the ranch. They became great friends, starting a foundation that will one day lead to the everlasting marriage they had.

JoAnn, after graduation of Deridder High School in 1951, traveled to Oklahoma to study at the University of Tulsa. While there, she received a scholarship to perform as a Majorette. Furthering her education, she transferred to McNeese State University (where she graduated) and reconnected with Bobby, who was playing football for the Cowboys.

Nevertheless, the two married.

Both graduating in Education, pursued their careers as teachers at several schools in Calcasieu and Beauregard parish schools.

JoAnn and Bobby had two children (Robert and Mitch).

After raising two boys and retirement approaching, JoAnn and Bobby could not stay dormant. They started traveling the United States as Sojourner’s and conducted missions to spread the Good News of Christ to others. JoAnn had made many connections and friends along the way.

During this time period she became a grandmother and earned the title of GrandJo. She indeed fulfilled this role joyfully and adequately… My oh My, could she cook!!! She eventually received a new status of a great grandmother, continuing as a GrandJo to (Greyson, Grady, Grahm, Memphis, Tulsa, Rush, and Gunner).

JoAnn always journaled, and eventually she turned her passion of writing into Publish Works as an Author.

She loved to tell stories as you could imagined, her life lived had many to tell.

She was known for her kindness and willingness to give to anyone who might have a need.

Through out her life she kept her Faith, which lead her to all the joys she was able to experience.

Such a kind soul, she wouldn’t want this time to be about sadness but about the JOY of being HOME after fighting the good and faithful fight.

Those to cherish her memory are her sister, Merle Jopes; son, Robert Mills and his wife, Juanita; grandsons and granddaughter in-laws, Colt and Gabby Mills with their child, Memphis; Logan and Mercedez Mills with their children, Greyson, Grady, Grahm, Tulsa, and Rush; Halston and Paige Mills with their child, Gunner; nephews, Lee Temple with his wife, Janice and family, Lewis Temple with his wife, Anna and family, Sam Jopes and family; niece, Lisa Sebat and family.

Preceded in death by her parents, Seth and Mary Cole; husband, Bobby Mills; son, Mitch Mills; sister and brother-in-law, Bobbye Lee and Arthur Temple.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Bilbo and Roberts Church of Christ in DeRidder, LA. Jay Alexander and James Patterson will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be family and friends.  Burial will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.

The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to Westwood Manor Nursing Home for their exceptional care and attention of JoAnn.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Bilbo and Roberts Church of Christ mission fund, 782 Bilbo St., DeRidder, LA, 70634.