Nelson E. Mills

On January 21, 1948, Nelson Eddie Mills came into this world. A new year, a new blessing, and a new life. A blessing from the loving Union of Nelson H. Mills and Bessie Grace (Leslie) Mills in the city of Detroit, MI. He was the oldest of four children.

Nelson’s parents provided a warm loving Christian home, as a child they attended Christian Community Baptist Church in Detroit, MI. They fostered a sense of pride and self-reliance, hard work and love of family.

Nelson grew up in a home where love was apparent. Bessie cooked beautiful meals and dad brought home the bacon.

Nelson graduated from Mackenzie High School in Detroit, MI and was later drafted into the US Army on March 11, 1968. He served honorably in the Vietnam Era war, with rank of Sergeant. He received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and numerous other military honors.
He returned home to work in the factory for Ford Motor Company. Later joining the Detroit Board of Education and retiring as Head Custodian of Guest Middle School.

Nelson married Jacqueline Regina McIntosh and their union produced three children Tara McIntosh, Brian McIntosh, and Craig Mills. His grandchildren are Sylvester McIntosh, III, Zion McIntosh, Simone McIntosh, Samia Davis and Nala White.

Nelson instilled in his children ethics, honor, hard work, and the willingness to try. He took great pride in his home and his ability to provide for his family. His work ethic began at an early age by cleaning the barbershop owned by his Dad and maintenance and upkeep of family-owned rental properties.

Nelson never missed an opportunity to put a little cash into the pockets of his grandchildren.

Nelson along with his siblings, lovingly and faithfully cared for his beautiful mother Bessie until her death from the same illness.

Nelson took pleasure in leading the community and neighborhood with his unmatched lawn and gardening care and was a champion of doing better by showing better.

Nelson not only enjoyed his lawn and home, but he also loved music of all genres (R&B, Blues, Country, Jazz and of course the Motown Sound) including artists like, B.B. King, Bobby Bluebland, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Wes Montgomery, Steely Dan, the Temptations and Aretha Franklin. He also took a real shine to Automobiles and was skillful at their maintenance and repair. He often attended the Woodward Dream Cruise where he could tell from afar the make, model, and year of a car. He left behind a black 1970 Monte Carlo and a white 1988 Cadillac Sedan Deville. We cannot forget about his love for dogs, and his favorite pooch Lady. His companion.

Nelson had a cool sense of Humor, quick wit, and outgoing personality. A smooth sense of Style and a Tag line, “Be Cool”. Dressing and coordinating his outfits for special occasions was particularly important to him. He was a loyal friend, not a push over, but would help others when he could. He was also very thankful and gracious for what others did for him; he did not mind saying “Thank You”. Some of his loyal friends included Claude Bragg, Charles Henry, Ray McCants, Ralph Hill, and Mr. Alexander Thomas who preceded him in death.

Nelson passed away peacefully on January 3, 2021, at the age of 72. He was predeceased by Nelson H. (Dad), Bessie Grace (Mom), Juderson (Brother) and Bre’on (Granddaughter).
Nelson is survived by his wife Jackie, his children; Tara (Sylvester) McIntosh, Brian (Sheryl) McIntosh and Craig Mills, his siblings; Beverly (Richard) Turner, and Delores Carroll, his sister’s in-law; Valerie Graham and Violet McIntosh, and brother in-law; Howard Sneed. Along with grandchildren; Sylvester McIntosh, III, Zion McIntosh, Simone McIntosh, Samia Davis and Nala White. God daughters; Tamara Graham Sailor and Arielle Henry, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and extended family and friends.