Mary Anne Mills

Mary Anne Mills, of Forest, Virginia, passed away at home on July 4, 2026. She was the daughter of the late James and Mary Bates.

Born on June 26, 1949, in Waterbury, Connecticut, Mary Anne graduated from Immaculata University near Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She later earned her Master's degree in Education from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Mary Anne began her teaching career in the mountains of West Virginia for one year before moving to Fredericksburg, Virginia. and later teaching at Lynchburg City Schools, where she taught for many years. During her career, she was able to take nine years away from the classroom to be stay-at-home mother to her two children before returning to teaching. In all, she dedicated 30 years to teaching.

Mary Anne cherished spending time with her family and especially loved traveling with them to adventurous destinations.

She is survived by her loving husband, David Mills; children, Emily and Kevin Mills; and brothers, Bill Bates, Richard Bates, and Tom Bates. She was preceded in death by her brother, Stephen Bates.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, P.O. Box 937, Verona, VA 24482, or visiting your local middle school and paying off a student's lunch debt.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church Columbarium with Father John Christian officiating. A reception will follow in the church dining hall. The family kindly invites those attending to wear bright or cheerful colors in celebration of Mary Anne’s life.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.