Jean Crawford Mills grew up in Autaugaville, Alabama and attended Auburn University. While there, she met my grandfather James W. Mills Jr., who would become her husband of 65 years. During her 45 years living and raising a family in New Orleans, she made tremendous contributions to various cultural, patriotic, religious and humanitarian community benefits. A three year member of the Board of Trustees of the New Orleans Philharmonic Symphony, she served on the Executive Committee of the Women's Committee and was its Chairman for two years. As one of four founders of the Overture to the Cultural season, she was also a member of its Board of Trustees for nine years. She became active in business where she was a broker/owner of Old Metairie Realty and a life member of the Million Dollar Club. A devoted member of Munholland Memorial United Methodist Church in Metairie, she served for five years on its Board of Trustees.

My grandmother was an incredibly charismatic and altruistic woman. Visiting her in assisted living and seeing her condition deteriorate so rapidly was extremely difficult for my family and I to witness because we knew the beautiful and compelling person she had been for many, many years. No person should have to fight alone such an aggressive disease that has no cure or proven effective treatment. I hope my involvement in the Legacy Council helps others receive the support they need.