LELAND, Mississippi - Mother Leona Mills Thomas, age 81, of Leland, passed away on December 17, 2025, at Washington Care Center in Greenville. She was born on June 12, 1944, in Elizabeth, and lived a life marked by strength, grace, and deep love for her family.
Mother Leona Mills Thomas was known for her warm spirit, her unwavering faith, and her dedication to those she cared for. She touched many lives with her kindness and quiet resilience, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her four children: Bridget Mills Young (James Young) of Memphis, Tennessee; Terri Mills of Leland; Dennis Mills (Iris Mills) of Greenville; Dr. Charlotte Mills Kabore (Dr. Julien Kabore) of Atlanta, Georgia; God-daughter, Jeyon L. Thompson of Greenville; special daughter, Jackie Gordon (Dr. Roy Gordon) of Leland. Also, her siblings: Clarence McDonald (Barbara McDonald) of Matteson, Illinois; Melvin C. Mills Jr. (Freddie Mills) of Memphis; Henry Mills of Danville, Illinois; Minnie Mills Poke of Danville; Dr. Virginia Mills of Pearland, Texas; Valinda Mills Celestine, Mageline Mills Allen, Dorethia Mills Lott all of Houston, Texas; and Georgia Stephens (John Stephens) of Missouri City, Texas; and host of grandchildren. Soul Mate – John Thomas. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to share in her life.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Dillon Funeral Home. A wake was held on Friday, December 26, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Funeral Home. The funeral services took place on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at New Zion Baptist Church in Leland, Mississippi, with viewing from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by the funeral service at noon. The casket will be closed after the viewing.
Mother Leona Mills Thomas’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those she loved and those who loved her.
