Elizabeth Barnett (Booty) Mills
Elizabeth Barnett Mills (Booty), 87, of Salem, Va., passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at her home. She was born on October 1, 1935, in Salem, Va., to the late Maynard H. Barnett and Annie S. Barnett. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years Chester R. Mills. Booty, as she was affectionately known as by family and friends, was a life-long resident of Salem. Although she was well-known by her childhood nickname, her most favorite titles, Mema, Nina and Meme, were bestowed upon her by her grandchildren, all unique terms lovingly coined by each grandchild.
After graduation from Andrew Lewis High School, she entered the nursing profession and earned her Registered Nurse credentials from the then Roanoke Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Over the years, she served as the Assistant Director of Nursing at McVitty House Nursing Home which is now known as Richfield Living. She worked in various other nursing disciplines throughout her career to include the oncology department at Lewis Gale Hospital, Lewis Gale Family Practice, and retired from nursing after several years as the occupational health nurse at Salem Frame. Her compassion toward others both personally and professionally was remarkable and came full circle for her through the care and support provided to her by medical professionals in recent years. In later years, she always said her nursing career made her a much more agreeable and better behaved patient.
She was a lifetime member of First Christian Church in Salem and over the course of her life served the church in many capacities to include Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, Choir Member, Worship Chairman, CWF, and Elder. She played an integral part in the establishment of the first Hospitality Network (now known as Family Promise) in the Salem area that served families in crisis. She cherished the church and stood firm in her Christian Faith as an unwavering servant of God.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who was an expert listener, encourager, and mentor to many. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her and her spirit will be present in our hearts forever.
Surviving are her sisters and brother-in-law, Barbara Hite, Carolyn and Donnie Helton; sons and daughters-in-law Tim and Lisa Mills; Joe and Jennifer Mills; daughter and son-in-law, Sara and David Bell; grandchildren, Terri Mills, Christopher Bell, and Mary Beth Mills, as well as, numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to especially convey our gratitude and thanks to the compassionate staff at both The Oaks at Richfield Living, as well as, the staff from Good Samaritan Hospice who all went above and beyond to bring Booty and her family comfort, joy, and peace on this journey. You are all very special and kind people.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 12, 2022, at First Christian Church, 712 Front Avenue in Salem by Rev. Dan Netting. A visitation will be held Sunday, December 11, 2022 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Booty’s memory to First Christian Church Property Fund. Arrangements by Lotz Salem Chapel, 540-389-9208.
