World War II cryptographer Winifred “Winnie” Mills, 104, was laid to rest with full military honors in Jacksonville, remembered for her service and legacy
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Family and loved ones gathered Tuesday at Jacksonville National Cemetery to honor the life and service of Winifred “Winnie” Mills, a First Coast veteran who lived to be 104 years old.
Mills was laid to rest with full military honors, a tribute her family said reflected a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and purpose.
At the cemetery, a flag was folded, Taps was played, and loved ones said their final goodbyes to a woman remembered as strong, driven, and deeply devoted to her family.
“She was an extremely good woman, honest woman,” said her son, Patrick Mills. “She was forceful. People will remember her as forceful. But she was pleasant, and she got along with everybody.”
Mills enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 21 years old during World War II. She served as a cryptographer, decoding Japanese messages while stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines. Her work was highly classified at the time.
After the war, Mills returned home and built a life rooted in hard work and family. Her daughter, Kathy Berger, described her mother as resilient and determined.
“She was a strong, dedicated woman,” Kathy Mills said. “She took care of us as a housewife, but as soon as we were old enough to do our own thing, she went back to work.”
Mills went on to work in several professions, including real estate and civil service, and remained active well into her later years.
At her funeral, two generations of her family sat in attendance, reflecting on a life that spanned more than a century.
“I’m going to miss her like crazy,” Kathy Mills said. “But I know she’s with my dad now. And she’s with God. She had a long, full life and a happy life, so I’m at peace with that.”
In her later years, Mills lived at Penny Farms Retirement Community in Clay County, where she became the oldest resident and a beloved presence. Her family said she remained sharp and engaged, especially when it came to her favorite game.
“Every Friday, either my daughter and I or my husband and I would bring lunch to her, and we would play Scrabble because she loved that game,” Kathy Mills said.
Friends affectionately called her “Winnie the Whack,” a nickname that reflected her strong personality and independent spirit.
At her funeral, her family watched as she received the honors she earned decades earlier through her military service.
“Oh, she deserved them absolutely,” Berger said.
Patrick Mills said while the loss is painful, he finds comfort knowing his mother is at peace.
“I’m happy she’s in a better place,” he said. “She’s not suffering. She’s in heaven with my father, so I’m happy for her.”