Erna Bell Mills, longtime resident of Beggs, passed away Friday, September 22, 2023, at her home. She was born June 24, 1936, in Tuskegee to the late Silas Russell and Cleopatra Elmine (Stanley) Bryant. At the age of 18, Erna married Ray Mills. They raised cattle, pigs and sheep. Ray tended to their large garden while Erna canned the vegetables to provide food for the year. Many laughs were had over corn shucking, which was usually an all-day event. The grandkids loved to grab corn sandwiches as she cut it off the cob. She enjoyed playing basketball and doing cartwheels with the grandkids when they were young. Erna and Ray also hosted many gospel and bluegrass singings over the years. Erna attended Oak Grove Church until Covid prevented her from going.
Erna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray; siblings, Vicki Bryant, Kathleen McClain, Russell Bryant, Ora LaDon Oliver, Hershel Bryant, Avious Benavidez, and Dorford Bryant; children, Diane Fulton, Carl “Buddy” Mills and Judy Mills; and grandchildren, Kendal and Sarah Mills.
Survivors include her children, Darrell Mills and wife Robin and Tammy Miller and husband Mark; siblings, Jan Phillips and husband Jerry and Lyle Bryant and wife Betty; grandchildren, April Hale and husband Patrick, June 24, 1936 – September 22, 2023
Sara Beller and husband Ryan, Eran Farrow, Mike Cagle, Rayna Zivojin and husband Jonel, and Katie Mills; great grandchildren, Brody Beller, Kinley Beller, Dylan Mills, Haileigh Mills-Mc-Donald, Taytum Mills, Teagan Mills, Phoenix Casparis, Jonas Farrow, Tifa Miller, Vicki Zivojin and Jack Zivojin; great great grandson, Javen Miller; a son-inlaw, Richard Fulton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at McClendon- Winters Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Crossroads Baptist Church, with Rev. Zack Barnhart officiating. Interment will follow at Beggs Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mc-Clendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Erna’s tribute page at www.mcclendon-winters. com.
