CONNIE HARMAN MILLS

Connie Harman Mills passed at home on Thursday morning, July 17, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer's.  She was born on May 4, 1942, in Springfield <MN to Dr. Jack and Blanch McCoy Harman and grew up in Watertown, SD.  Her father being a veterinarian, Connie was raised with a special love for animals, having a horse during her teen years and dogs and cats in their home.  She had three Maltese during the course of her life. 

After graduating high school in 1960, she attended South Dakota State for one year.  Choosing to pursue a career in modeling, she moved to San Francisco and enrolled in modeling classes.  As a model, she worked with the Collier Agency and did newspaper, magazine and fashion-house modeling.  She was fortunate to model fashions from Koret of California on an ocean liner cruise to Australia with three other models, who became lifelong friends.  During the year of 1965, she was the ambassador for California's artichoke industry.

She married Sam Mills on January 20, 1973, in Reno, NV after a brief courtship.  They were blessed to share a close, intimate, loving life, usually seen together and enjoying their companionship.

She left modeling shortly after marriage, moving with her husband to the South.  In 1986, Connie became a mother to daughter Jacklyn.

Connie will be remembered as a kind, sweet individual with a wonderful, caring heart.  She was known to stop her car and help turtles across the road.  Connie was an easy friend to everyone, unpretentious and genuine.

She is survived by her husband, a daughter Jacklyn Mills of Youngstown, FL, a grandson Dominic Dibacco, a sister Rebecca Burns of Whitefish, Montana, a sister Mary (Greg) Bartron of Rapid City, SD and several nephews and nieces.

A graveside service will be held at Olive Grove Cemetery on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM with Flossie D. Smith officiating.

Special thanks and gratitude go to Connie's caregivers:  Flossie D. Smith, Shayla Smallwood and Jennifer Brown, who provided the best of care.  Flossie had the longest tenure, having taken care of Connie since late 2017.

Those who wish to contribute a memoriam may send it to GA Alzheimer's Foundation, Inc. PO Box 20226, St. Simons Island, GA 31522.