Margaret Helen Mills

Margaret is survived by her sons, Owen P. Mills (Susan) and John V. Mills of Hancock; her grandson, Brandon M. Mills (Laura Beth); and great grandson, Wesley B. Mills. She is preceded in death by her husband, J.D. Mills; her mother, Lillie Inez (Bradford) Pyburn; and her father, Dwight Dennis Pyburn, longtime Clerk of Court for Caddo Parish.

She was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on January 31, 1936. Margaret graduated in 1954 from C.E. Byrd High School where she was active in the Army ROTC. She attended Centenary College and later graduated from University of New Orleans in 1972 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Margaret obtained a Masters degree in Education and Counseling from Loyola University New Orleans in 1977. She served as a teacher and later administrator with the Jefferson Parish Public School system until her retirement in 1990.

She and her husband, J.D. returned home to Shreveport in 1990. J.D. passed away in 1994. Margaret took care of her father, Dwight, until his death in 1996. In 2005, she moved from Shreveport to Hancock, to be near her oldest son, Owen and his wife, Susan. She built a lovely home and enjoyed home decorating, gardening and wild birds. She was known for her home cooked bakery.

The family wants to thank all of the dedicated staff at PortagePointe for the amazing care and love extended to Margaret during her time there. Thanks too to UPHS – Portage Hospice for their caring touch at the end of Margaret’s life.

In accordance with Margaret’s wishes, no service is planned. Please make donations in lieu of flowers to UPHS – Portage Hospice.

Arrangements are being handled by the Jukuri-Antila Funeral Home of Hancock, Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.