Carlton M. Mills

Carlton M. Mills was born on December 18, 1955, to Betty L. Mills (Marshall) in Girdletree, Maryland, and was affectionately raised by George E. Marshall. He departed this life unexpectedly at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware on March 5, 2026.

Known to all as TC, Carlton spent his early childhood in Maryland with his mother and siblings, receiving his early education in the Wicomico County School District before moving to Delaware at the age of nine. He graduated from Wilmington High School in 1973 and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, following in the footsteps of his older brother Timothy. He served four years of active duty as a Field Operator specializing in radio communications and was honorably discharged on October 15, 1977. Upon returning home, he attended DelTech Community College while working various jobs. He retired in March of 2025 from his final position as an EMS worker with the Coatesville VA.

TC was a charismatic, comedic, energetic, and deeply loving man whose vibrant personality could fill any room. He had a habit of giving everyone a nickname and found joy in sports, funny movies, puzzle books, sharing meals with family and friends, and especially his mother’s chicken and dumplings.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ella and James Mills, his father and mother, George and Betty Marshall, and his siblings Glenda (Kathy) Robins, Reggie Purnell, Lester Purnell, and Oscar Purnell. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving son Terrence Mills, daughter Briana Mills, grandson Trevor Carlos, and the mother of his children, Mary Johnson. He is also survived by his brothers Timothy Mills and Rodney Mills, his sisters Crystal Patton, LaVern Mills, Joan Mills, Selina Dickerson, Connie Harmon, Carol Wilson, and Brenda Moore, his Uncle Gerald (Sonny) Mills and Aunt Loretta Mills, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.