Challissah L'Ecole J. Mills

Challissah L’Ecole J Mills, 26, of Florence, South Carolina, was at the beginning of her life when it was tragically cut short by a drunk driver. Born in Warren, PA to Lisa M. Hagberg and Rodney Mills, Challissah was a loving daughter, devoted sister and a loyal friend. Her family was always her number one priority. Challissah, along with her three sisters, also known as The Mills Girls, were inseparable, protective, and fiercely close from childhood. Challissah was a role model to her little brother, who shared her love of video games, scary movies, and Pokemon. Challissah was fearless in everything she did. Whether it was fighting fires, making peanut butter blossoms for her friends, or rocking out in her bedroom with her little sister, everything she did was done to the fullest extent. From the time she was a child, she loved to cook and bake with her Grandmother, who inspired her love of sharing sweets with friends and family. Challissah had a dark and daring sense of humor. She was sarcastic, witty and naturally charming. No matter what she did, she wanted everyone to be comfortable around her. Oftentimes, she would give her last or take the least desirable option to ensure everyone’s comfort. Challissah cared for all things living, from animals to the elderly, even going as far as earning her CNA license and graduating first in her class. She served as a CNA and spent the past few months of her life, tirelessly caring for her sick mother. She was the proud parent of four cats, who she loved as if they were her children, even taking on a second job just to feed and care for them. She took the time to enjoy the mundane and little things in life. She noticed the things and people that most would have overlooked. She had countless chosen family, whom she loved unconditionally and was a willing support system to anyone who asked. She was known as “Dr. Phil” amongst her friends, as she was the person that people chose to turn to for advice. She graduated from South Florence High School in 2010. She continued her education at Florence-Darlington Technical College, where she served as an education ambassador and was an active member of the Drama club. It was in drama club where she met her partner, Sam Black. They had plans to buy a house, have children and attend culinary school, after which Challissah dreamed of opening her own bakery. She aspired to be a writer deep down, and her brilliance was a constant inspiration. At the time of her death, she was a Shift Leader at Food Lion, and while only employed for a short amount of time, she was recognized and loved by customers, co-workers, and members of the community. Challissah loved Halloween, Doctor Who, and Harry Potter. She loved painting, writing, reading, music, and her friends. She had the kind of creativity that is not seen very often, and a spirit of individuality that could be felt just from being in the same room with her. She is preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Leonard and Marjorie Kibbey, Arnold and Dorothy Ann Hagberg and Eugene “Ben” Hawkins; grandfather, Sonny Mills and godbrother, Jonathan Sveda. She is survived by her mother, Lisa M. Hagberg, Florence, SC; father, Rodney Mills, Harrisburg PA; sisters, Brittanie Mills (Simone) Tyson and Tianna Mills, both of Durham, NC and Shannelle Mills, New Orleans, LA; little brother, Joshua Daniels, Florence, SC; niece, Noah Tyson, Durham; grandmothers, Marjean Hawkins, Youngsville, PA, and Cora Mills, Harrisburg, PA; grandfather, John Hagberg, Sugar Grove, PA; her partner, Sam Black, Dillon, SC, with whom she resided at the time of her death, as well as countless other friends, family, and chosen family. She will be missed incredibly by this world. The family received friends from 5-8 on Friday, October 13th at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. A celebration of life memorial service and picnic will be held at Timrod Park on Saturday, October 14, 2017 near the gazebo from 3 – 7 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lisa Hagberg, 1304 Arrowood Drive, Florence, SC 29501 to assist with funeral expenses.