Mary "Jan" Lanius Mills

CLAYTON– Jan Mills, 64, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2023, after a long and hard-fought battle against pulmonary fibrosis. A native of Cumberland County, North Carolina, she was the youngest daughter of the late John C. Lanius III and Doris W. Lanius. Jan was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. All of her family and many that knew her have said her baked goods are more than worth paying for, but she gracefully gave them away regularly to all the people she loved. As a young woman she excelled in many sports, and was an excellent golfer. As a floral designer in Raleigh for over 30 years, Jan’s stunning designs were a part of over a thousand beautiful weddings and events. Jan was big-hearted, loyal, and unpretentious. Her fierce friendship, unconditional love, spicy opinions, and ability to make anyone laugh will be missed in an immeasurable amount.

In addition to her parents, Jan is preceded in death by her brother, Johnny Lanius; and sister, Jackie L. Brown.

Jan is survived by her loving husband, JK Mills; daughters, Megan Royal and Gretchen Mills; son, Graham Mills; sister, Alana L. Murphy (John J. Murphy, Jr.); grandchild, Brayden Strickland; and nephews, Scotty Collins, Jack Lanius, Sean Murphy, Christopher Lanius, and Michael Murphy.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, October 24, at 1 PM, at LaFayette Memorial Park, 2301 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Bryan-Lee Funeral Home located at 1200 Benson Road, Garner, North Carolina 27529. In addition to flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Condolences may be made to the family at bryan-leefuneralhome.com