Leroy Lafeyette Mills

LEROY’S JOURNEY Leroy Lafayette Mills was born on November 8, 1951, and left us at his home on October 18, 2023. He was the son of the late Leroy and Frances Collick. “Nip”, as many called him, was born in Girdletree, Maryland, surrounded by a host of siblings, cousins, and many friends. Leroy graduated from the former Worcester High School in 1969. He was brave and fearless as he left the tiny town of Girdletree to face the challenges of living and surviving in the “big city.” He left home after high school graduation, only to return home for visits. He was quickly recognized as a role model for others who wanted to take the risk of leaving home. Leroy recognized education would allow him the opportunities to advance in his career. Therefore, he enrolled in higher education at both the University of District of Columbia and Southeastern University. His learning did not stop there as Leroy had more than 50 certificates of training completion in his home from the countless courses sponsored by his employer, the Federal Government. Leroy began his career with the Department of State as a Messenger in January of 1970 and received numerous promotions until he secured the role of Computer Specialist with a top security clearance before he officially retired 35 years later. Leroy was recognized as a leader in the “Blacks in Government” organization and was inducted as a lifelong member. Leroy was an active member of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, DC for more than 20 years before illness impacted his ability to serve. He assisted in various ministries including the Methodist Youth Fellowship, Boy Scouts of America, Math and Science for Youth Club and Shiloh’s Prison Ministry. What an accomplishment for a little boy with humble beginnings and a life where he was forced to be brave and fearless from the day he was born. Leroy was born with severe scoliosis; so severe that it would require numerous surgeries over the years. While the goal was to bring Leroy relief, that was never to be. Leroy’s back remained curved, and the pain was continuous throughout his life. Leroy’s bravery and fearlessness forced him to keep striving despite his daily physical struggles. Then came another test in 2016. Leroy was told that his heart was failing. As with the interventions for his back, Leroy had previously undergone major surgeries to repair this life sustaining organ, but it was not enough. Leroy was told that without a heart transplant, he did not have much longer to live. God wasn’t finished with our son, our brother, our friend, and he produced a miracle and found Leroy that heart. The surgeons were optimistic, but Leroy ran into complications that required a week of sedation as he grew strong enough to tolerate having his chest cavity closed. Once surgery was over, the doctors said his recovery required him to be under 24-hour supervision, therefore the most independent man alive had to give up his autonomy and reside with family for 1.5 years. But that same bravery and fearlessness shone through until Leroy was able to return to the independence of living in his own home. Leroy will be forever admired by those who cherish his memory: his six brothers, Kyenan Collick (Janice), Kevin Collick (Janice), Robin Collick (Lois), Kenny Mason (Carolyn), Gary Townsend, Troy Mills (Pamela) and Andre Johnson; three sisters, Bernadine Waters (Greg), Myra Sturgis Glover and Duwan Thompson (Michael); one surviving aunt, Betty Townsend; two close friends, Orlando Blake and Marvin Dale; a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and finally the Worcester High School class of 1969 who maintained steadfast contact with Leroy throughout his joys and struggles. Leroy was preceded in death by his mother, Frances V. Collick, father, Leroy Collick and brothers, Edward Mills and Michael Sturgis. Goodbye Leroy, Take Your Rest, you led a brave and fearless life. Matthew 11:28: Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, I will give you rest…

Leroy Lafeyette Mills

November 8, 1951 - October 18, 2023