In Loving Memory of Willa Jean Kerr Mills
July 13, 1935 – April 12, 2025
Willa Jean Kerr Mills, age 89, of Detroit, Alabama, peacefully passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Southern Magnolia Golden Living Community.
Born on July 13, 1935, to the late Clifton Kerr and Retha Hiden Kerr, Willa Jean lived a life full of quiet strength, loving care, and devotion to her family and faith. A long-standing member of Barnesville Freewill Baptist Church, she carried her values with grace and humility, touching everyone who had the joy of knowing her.
Willa Jean was a talented seamstress, working many years at Munsingwear Manufacturing. Beyond her profession, she lovingly crafted countless dresses and garments for her family, each stitch woven with affection and pride. Her hands were rarely still — whether tending to her garden, creating something beautiful with fabric, or preparing a warm kitchen filled with the sweet scent of tea cakes and her famous chocolate cake. She found joy in simple pleasures — reading a good book, a new sewing project, or a quiet day shopping. But more than anything, she cherished the time spent with her loved ones, giving her heart generously and always putting others first. Willa Jean’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and devotion. She leaves behind a family stitched together by her warmth, strength, and enduring spirit. She will be dearly missed, and forever remembered.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday April 14, 2025, at Barnesville Freewill Baptist Church in Hamilton, AL, with Bro. Jeff Fleming and Bobby Bennett officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am Monday, April 14, at Barnesville Freewill Baptist Church. Burial will be at Cherry Tree Cemetery. Senter Funeral Home has been entrusted with caring for the family.
Willa Jean leaves behind her children: Karon (Kim) Wells of Belmont and Larry (Amanda) Mills of Detroit, AL; grandchildren: Kalim (Chelsea) Mills, Ashlee (Scotty) Steel, Chet (fiance’ -Sadie Rader) Mills, Kollin (Tracy) Wells, Kaynon (Andy) Thorn; 8 great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eber Mills; sister, Elizabeth Burleson Harbor
Pallbearers are Kalim Mills, Chet Mills, Kollin Wells, Scotty Steel, Andy Thorn
