Rev. Mrs. Charlene Bulls Mills

Rev. Mrs. Charlene Bulls Mills, of Killen Alabama departed this earthly life March 14, 2025. She was born November 18, 1953 in Waukegan Illinois the daughter of Algie Elton and Betty Jean Bulls.

Charlene spent the past three years in Killen, Alabama after relocating from Rockford, Illinois. She met Dimitri Mills at Abbott Laboratories, later to marry him, June 7, 1986 in Waukegan, Illinois. 

Charlene graduated from Waukegan High School class of 1971. She, graduated from The College of Lake County with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration; and from Milwaukee Theological Institute receiving her, Theological Degree.

Answering her call to the ministry in 1987; Charlene dedicated 33 years to serving as a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church before retiring in 2021. She was a true servant leader, answering her divine calling with humility and grace. She was a trailblazer, always serving as the first female pastor in every church to which she was appointed.

Charlene's first assignment was held at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Milwaukee, WI where she served 2 years; then being assigned to Robert Thomas Jr.  A.M.E. Church in Milwaukee, WI; serving 3 years; her third assignment was Bethel A.M.E. Church in Milwaukee serving 8 years; fourth assignment was at Wayman A.M.E. Church, Racine, WI where she served 10 years: and her last assignment was Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church Rockford, IL serving 10 years before retiring October of 2021. Her ministry was effective and a blessing everywhere she pastored.  Her legacy of faith, service, and leadership will continue to live on in the many lives she influences and the churches she helped shape.

Charlene leaves to cherish many fun loving memories, her husband of 38 years Evangelist Dr. Dimitri Mills; two sons, Nolan Marzett and Darron (Cindy) Marzett; foster son, who she love like her own Macaudum (Toni) Ellis; step daughter, Danielle ( Donnie) Arnold; thirteen grandchildren; five great grandchildren; her mother, Betty Jean Bulls; brother, Roderick Bulls; three sisters, Yolanda Gregory, Yvonne Smith and Tanya Pearson: a host of nieces, nephews cousins other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her father, Algie Bulls.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Mrs. Charlene Bulls Mills, please visit our floral store.