Iris Cassell Mills, 96, of Roanoke, Virginia, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 7, 2023. Born June 16, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Roy and Velma Cassell.

Iris was a graduate of Jefferson High School in Roanoke, Virginia. She grew up in Melrose Baptist Church and was later a member of Grandin Court Baptist Church in Roanoke and Chapel of Christian Faith in Lady Lake, Florida.

Iris was a graduate of Roanoke College with a major in English. She was hired by Colonial American National Bank immediately after graduation and remained in their employment until retirement. Her hard work and dedication were recognized as she became the first female bank officer in their history. Her life was centered around time with her family and friends, service to others, and her unwavering faith in the Lord.

Iris possessed a gracious kindness and generosity that has touched numerous lives. She was a devoted member of her church choir, enjoyed traveling the world, and was an avid Scrabble player. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James “Roy” and Audrey “Velma” Cassell; her husband, Thomas W. Mills; her sister and brothers-in-law, Theriel Cassell Rumburg Angle, Gordon Rumburg, and Glenn Angle; her brothers-in-law, Ralph Mills and Lewis Mills; and her beloved sister-in-law, Louise Mills Glass.

Those left to cherish in her memory are her loving son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Connie Mills of Rocky Mount, Virginia; loving son, Jim Mills of Orlando, Florida; her cherished grandchildren, Landon Mills of Orlando, Florida and Allison Mills of Roanoke, Virginia; special friend, Reverend Carol Johnston; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

The family wishes to thank the medical staff at Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital. Special thanks to the entire staff of Franklin Health and Rehab who have provided loving and comforting care for Iris and her family during the past year.

Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Oakey’s South Chapel with the Reverend Phil Motley officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Smile Train. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.Oakeys.com.