Bette Wortham Mills

Mrs. Bette Wortham Mills, age 92, passed away peacefully into the loving, everlasting arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, 5/22/2026.

She was known as a very sweet, kind, and Christian lady. Also, she was a devoted, loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and teacher.

Born to Thomas Guy Wortham and Mary Helen McFarland Wortham, she grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and graduated from Woodlawn High School. After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Clarence Mills. They had two children, Warren and Judy. After her children reached the pre-teen years, she obtained her bachelor degree, master degree, and EDS in English and education at Samford University. Then, she began her teaching career at Franklin Academy. Following a few years there, she finished her teaching years at Woodlawn High School and Minor High School.

She was a long-time member of Ruhama Baptist Church where she taught 4 years old children in Sunday School. Later, she became a member of Brookwood Baptist Church and was enrolled in the women’s Faith Sunday School Class. She served in the church’s flower ministry there for many years.

She is survived by her sister Elaine Russell (Mike); son Clarence Warren Mills, Jr. (Christine); daughter Judy Anne Sheppard (Dudley); grandchildren Patrick Sheppard, Amy Eubanks, Robby Pannell; great grandchildren Lily, Rosie and Silas Sheppard, Andrew (Holly), Ally and Avery Eubanks, Lauryn Pannell and Olivia Varnedo.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 73 years, Clarence Warren Mills; her sister, Mary Joan Shaw, and her grandson, Brian Sheppard.

She loved spending time with her family, her beloved dog, Ginger, and her various garden club friends. A few months before her husband, Clarence passed away, we heard her telling him, “We have had a good life.”

The family would be honored by your presence for visitation at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, on 5/27/2026, at 1:00. Also, for her service there at 2:00. Rev. Lamar Lyon will officiate.