WILMINGTON — Jeffrey C. Mills, born February 22, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 77.
Jeff graduated from Dover High School in Dover, Delaware, in 1966 and went on to earn his degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1970. After graduation, the West Coast was calling. With characteristic courage and adventure, Jeff hitchhiked across the country and made his home in San Francisco, California, where he lived for decades. In 2014, he and his beloved husband, Edward D. Adams, moved east to settle in Wilmington, North Carolina, to be closer to family.
Jeff’s life was defined by activism, compassion, and unwavering conviction. He devoted himself to ending the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS and was a fierce advocate for the rights, dignity, and recognition of the LGBTQ community. He was an active member of ACT UP, where his advocacy was recognized in a photograph published in Time Magazine. Jeff also dedicated his time and voice to Cape Fear Equality, the Frank Harr Foundation, SAGE Wilmington, the North Carolina AIDS Action Network, and served as an AARP LGBTQ liaison.
Beyond his work in HIV/AIDS advocacy, Jeff stood firmly against violence in all forms. He passionately protested the Vietnam War and supported numerous nonviolent causes throughout his life. He believed deeply in justice, equality, and the power of community.
Jeff was compassionate, caring, and inclusive. He had a rare gift for making everyone feel special, truly seen, and deeply heard. A beautiful soul, he was loving, brilliant, and an incredible artist whose creativity reflected the depth of his spirit. His warmth, humor, and fierce intelligence left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Jeff is survived by his devoted husband, Edward D. Adams; his sister, Anita (James); close family friend, Dr. Paula Babiss; his niece, Leah Southard (Adam); his nephew, Kenneth Pennington; his great-nieces, Corynn Southard and Winnie Baron-Pennington, his great-nephews, Ayden Southard and River Baron-Pennington and his beloved dogs Horton and Opie.
Jeff’s life was a testament to courage, love, and the belief that one person’s voice can help change the world. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A visitation will be held Saturday, March 21, at 10:00 a.m. at Andrews Mortuary and Crematory, 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, NC, with a service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Landfall Dye Clubhouse, 1550 Landfall Drive, Wilmington, NC.
