Mary Alice Mills
Mary Alice Clift Mills, 93, an honored veteran of World War II and a nationally-recognized Master Rosarian, died Sunday, July 5, 2015 at her home in North Chattanooga.
Theodore “Ted” Mills, her husband of 64 years, and friends were with her when her life ended, leaving her trail of success in many fields.
Mary Alice was a descendant of Civil War Colonel William Clift, a very important figure in Soddy history. In his memory she volunteered for the Navy during World War II and remained three years. She returned home as a chief petty officer with her meritorious service medal in a very patriotic manner as did her father when he returned from World War I. Her four brothers also served in the military.
Early success came her way in her childhood when the government took over the area of her home in Soddy in creating Chickamauga Lake. Her home was then located where the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant sets today.
After the move she entered the elementary school at Soddy and was soon rewarded by skipping the sixth grade. She went through the eleventh grade when the county decided to consolidate the high schools of Soddy and Daisy. The move didn’t bother her. She ranked third in Soddy-Daisy High School’s first graduating class of 1938. In later years, she and her husband were inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.
She plunged back into a successful civil life and amazed friends when she became the second woman to be named assistant vice-president of Provident Life and Insurance company during her 35-year term. She served as district regent of the Daughters of American Revolution, and major work for the American Rose Society that please rose growers everywhere. Mary Alice was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church.
After her retirement she and her husband became involved in several civic activities mainly pertaining to their interest in roses. Locally, a rose garden was established in Soddy Daisy’s Veterans Park and was named for the couple.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben J. and Lillian Clift; sister, Dorothea Clift Gann of Soddy; brothers, Eric Clift of Soddy and Gene Clift of Charlotte, NC.
Mary Alice is survived by her husband, Theodore “Ted” Mills; sister, Carolyn (Bob) Watson of Gainesville, FL; brothers, Leslie (Vernell) Clift and James J. Clift, both of Hixson; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home and noon-1 p.m. on Thursday at First Presbyterian Church, 554 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402.
A celebration of life service for Mary Alice will be held at 1 pm on Thursday at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Chris Ehlers officiating. Burial will follow in National Cemetery with Leslie Clift, Hunter Clift, Jason Watson, Gerry Stephens, Pete Austin III, and Mike Wood serving as pallbearers.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Alice’s name to First Presbyterian Church or Judge David Campbell Chapter of DAR.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.