The Portrait of a Lady

Lawanna Elliott married Tommy Joe Mills in 1949. They were wed in the First Baptist Church of Killeen. She led her new husband to know the Lord and they began their life together. The church was an important part of their growth as a couple. They had me, their first child, in 1950. Their best friends were also a part of FBC Killeen. I remember dinners, Sunday School, revivals, and so much fun revolving around church.

Mother and Daddy added my brother and sister to our family. We all learned to know Jesus at FBC and followed in baptism. We were excited to go to Vacation Bible School and church camps in the summer: mother always taught a class. She also taught Sunday School.

She was a homemaker and would be so generous in opening our modest home for bridal showers and baby showers for young brides and mothers in our church.

In the mid 1980s, Lawanna felt a calling to help feed the hungry families in Killeen. She had grown up with a mother who had lost her husband (her daddy) at a very young age. She knew what it was like to worry about whether there would be food in the house for the next meal. She and Raymond Smith, educational director at FBC at that time, started brainstorming and praying about a way to help so many families in need. After many fundraisers, including a ladies softball game, made up mostly of FBC women, and a "Poor Man's Dinner," with a menu of beans, cornbread, and water, they were able to open the Food Care Center of Killeen in 1987. FBC was always front and center to help financially and with volunteers.

It started very small with mostly basic staples like bread and flour and canned goods, but it grew mightily! Many people in Killeen have been fed physically through the center and also spiritually. Lawanna would be amazed at its growth!

She became ill with cancer at age fifty. Through her battle, she continued to spread the love of Jesus. Our church family supported us through a difficult time. She went to be with our Lord at age 55. A prayer room was added to our church in her name when the building was on Second Street. When our new building was built, the fellowship hall would bear her and Daddy's name because of all the donations given on their behalf.

She saw seven grandchildren born into our family and benefit from FBC Killeen. The Mills family will always be grateful beyond words for the love and teachings of our church.

Gwen Mills Stewart (daughter)
Billy Jay Mills (son)
Susan Mills Bond (daughter)