Mr. Glenford S. Mills

Glenford S. Mills affectionately known as "Syl" to his family and friends was born in Runaway Bay in the Parish of St. Ann, Jamaica W.I on March 31, 1922. He was the eldest of four children, born to Ethel Core and James Mills. At an early age he became a hard working helper to his father known in the community as Capt. Jim. Although Syl was an eager student the family's limited resources demanded that he leave school at the age of 15 and learn a trade. Syl apprenticed for a time with a local tailor and then after moving to Kingston he found work servicing and repairing office equipment. In Kingston Syl met and married Ina (nee Stewart) Mills, the love of his life. Their first two children, Cedric Anthony and Hopelyn Elaine were born in Kingston and Syl was blessed with another son, Errol Mills, born to the late Muriel Allen.

Despite his skill at typewriter repair, Syl desired a more productive occupation and better opportunities for his family. In the early 1950's he immigrated to England and within a few years Syl found work as a machinist. Ina joined Syl in London and although times were hard they adapted well to their new country. Shortly before the arrival of their third child, Julie Ann, they became the proud owners of their first house. The Mills family continued to grow with the birth of Sylvester Glenford and Bernard Stewart. Eldest son Cedric joined them and during those early years their house at 123Tressillian Road also became the home of John and Gracita Roberts and Cecil Allen. A lifelong friendship between the Mills, Allen and Roberts family was forged and the three families began a tradition of celebrating family milestones and holidays together for the next fifty years. Syl and Ina loved to entertain and were known for their generosity and warmth. Over the years many recent immigrants found a temporary home at 123 Tressilian Road. Parents would send their troubled teens to stay with Syl and Ina, knowing that they would learn discipline and to show the respect that Syl demanded from everyone he encountered.
Eldest daughter Hopelyn joined the rest of the family and when Hopelyn was not attending secondary school, she became her father's work mate as they renovated, painted and repaired the "new" house that Syl and Ina had recently acquired. Despite the security Syl had achieved for his family, he was not satisfied with life in London. In 1967 Syl left England and moved to New York. Ina, Julie and Bernard followed in 1969 and began the process of adapting to life in the U.S.A. By necessity and in typical Jamaican fashion, Syl and Ina each worked two and three jobs to support their family. Syl worked nights as a machinist, collected over due library books during the days and on weekends worked with his sister at the Fountainhead Catering Hall.

Syl and Ina's hard work continued to be rewarded when they sent Julie to college and later to law school, purchased a home in Mount Vernon N.Y, saw Bernard join the U.S Army and following his honorable discharge marry the late Sandra (nee Thompson) Mills. When the "American" grandchildren, Aminah and Raheem Mills were born, Syl became a very proud grandpa enjoying every milestone. Syl and Ina traveled to Jamaica and England enjoying visits with Errol, Hopelyn and Cedric and grandchildren, Elaine, Robert Goodwin, Adam Mills, Peta Gaye, Korine and Robert Mills.

Retirement for Syl and Ina brought brand new blessings. Grandchild, Julina Angel was born and Ina's mother, who years earlier had become a Jehovah's Witness, came to New York for a visit. Ina went to the Kingdom Hall with her mother and soon after, Syl and Ina both began bible studies quickly embracing knowledge of the Truth. In April 1991 Syl and Ina were both baptized by water during an assembly of Witnesses in Monsey. New York. Two months later, Syl and Ina moved to their present home in Orlando Florida. Syl quickly sought out a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and at the invitation of Brother Wheeler, became an active and proud member of the community. Syl particularly enjoyed field service and willingly worked under the supervision of the elders to perform any task that would advance his mission of faithful service. Syl was proud that he was able to reward Ina with her "dream" home and a comfortable retirement. Syl and Ina enjoyed a final holiday in 2005, cruising to Turkey and North Africa and visiting the pyramids of Egypt together. Although Syl's physical ailments eventually prevented his active service he continued to attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall whenever he could.

During the early morning hours of August 3, 2011, after 89 years of a challenging and inspired life, 20 years of a joyous retirement and service to Jehovah and 60 years of marriage to his devoted companion, Brother Mills peacefully slipped away from this earthly existence.

Glenford S. Mills was predeceased by his parents, brother Edward Mills, son Sylvester, daughter in law Sandra Mills and son in law Stanley Worthey, He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife Ina Mills, sister Lurlene "Susie" Boyd, brother Alfred Mills, children, Cedric, Hopelyn, Errol, Julie and Bernard, grandchildren Elaine, Robert, Aminah, Adam, Raheem, Peta Gaye, Korine, Robert and Julina, son- in- law Ian Goodwin, daughters- in- law Pat and Yvonne Mills, great grandchildren, Vivien, Evelyn , Lucien , Liam, Harry , Jamie , Monique, Miquel, Joshua and Arianna, niece Yvonne Dixon, nephew Conrad Boyd, the Allen Family, The Roberts Family, The Lawrence Family and a host of other relatives and friends