Jeffrey A. Mills

Jeffery A. Mills, age 79, longtime resident of Northville, passed away on July 18, 2026. He was born on March 8, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan; son of Wyndham “Ed” and Edna (Gracey) Mills. He was united in marriage to Jenda J. Verhines on December 22, 1970; together, they shared 55 years of love and devotion.

Jeff spent his childhood in Livonia and graduated from Bentley High School with the Class of 1965. He continued his education at Michigan State University, earning both a bachelor's degree in marketing and a master's degree in advertising. Following college, Jeff began his career as a buyer with Ford Motor Company before joining Narens Associates in Southfield as a manufacturers' representative. He dedicated more than 30 years to the company before retiring in 2010.

Jeff was a faithful member of Faith Community Church in Novi, where he served as a deacon.

At the age of 12, his family joined Meadowbrook Country Club, where he spent much of his youth and developed a lifelong passion for golf. As a teenager, he worked as a caddie at the club, earning money to take his future wife on dates. In 1969, Jeff became a member of Meadowbrook Country Club himself and remained actively involved for many years, including serving a term on the Board of Directors.

Jeff embraced an active lifestyle and had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. An avid golfer, Jeff, usually played three rounds a week. His love of golf led him to join his parents and siblings in becoming part-owner of Tyrone Hills Golf Course in Fenton, where he served on the board. He was also an accomplished tennis player and loved playing with family and friends. In his younger years, Jeff enjoyed playing baseball and continued playing into adulthood in a men’s league with friends. Jeff and Jenda both enjoyed their English Bulldogs. He would help in the care and showing of their dogs.

Second only to golf was his love of running marathons. Dedicated to his training, he often incorporated his running schedule into his daily routine and family activities, with his daughters frequently joining him for training runs. Over the years, Jeff completed numerous marathons, including the Detroit Free Press Marathon and the Charlevoix Marathon. He took great pride in achieving a personal best marathon time of 3 hours and 4 minutes.

Jeff was an accomplished equestrian with a lifelong love of horses. He especially enjoyed visiting his in-laws' farm, where he spent time with his beloved horse, Nick, a Christmas gift from his family. His passion for horseback riding also led him on memorable vacations with family and friends to three different dude ranches.

Jeff’s love of the outdoors included the beach and the ocean. Each winter, he looked forward to traveling with friends to an exotic destination in the Caribbean, and every fall he enjoyed returning to Hilton Head Island.

Jeff’s greatest joy came from his family. He was a devoted husband and treasured the time he spent with his wife as well as the life they built together. Jeff was a supportive father and grandfather who cherished every moment he spent with his daughters and granddaughters. He never missed an important event, always making time to attend their activities and celebrate their accomplishments. Jeff was present for the people he loved most and will be missed by all who loved and knew him.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Jenda Mills; his daughters, Kyley (Brian) Carpenter and Jessica (Jordan) Sisk; his granddaughters, Lucille Carpenter, Nora Carpenter, Remi Sisk, and Blake Sisk; his siblings, Terrance (Madeline) Mills, Brian (Karen) Mills, and Bronwyn Tekeley; his brother-in-law, H.F. Verhines; his dear friend Gail Mills; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Meadowbrook Country Club, 40941 W. Eight Mile Road, Northville.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to The Parkinson’s Foundation, attn: Donor Relations, 5757 Waterford District Dr., Ste. 310, Miami, FL 33126 or Organization for Autism Research, 2111 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 401, Arlington, VA 22201.