Michael Derrick Mills

“The important thing is not how many years in your life, but how much life in your years.” -  Edward J. Stieglitz, M.D.

Michael Derrick Mills was born January 16, 1998, to Sonya Moneak “Nikki” Lewis, and the late Clinton W. T. Mills, Sr. He unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Plano, Texas. 

Michael received his early education in the Colonial School District, graduating from William Penn High School in 2017, where he was on the Varsity football and track teams. All who knew Michael could attest that track was his first love. Michael excelled in the sport under the coaching and guidance of Lance Gordon, who he affectionately called “Pops”. He was a member of the 2015 and 2016 Division I High School Boys 4x100 meters and 4x200 meters relay teams, winning both the County and State Championships. In 2016, he was Delaware’s outdoor 200-meter champion, and in 2017 he was Delaware’s indoor 200-meter champion. He was recognized by the News Journal as Athlete of Week in February 2017, where he was quoted as saying,

“Everyone thinks football and basketball is the sport to get out and play…track takes more than skill. For other sports, running is punishment, we do it every day and we love it. Running is a way for us to feel free.” 

His love of track included his involvement in the summer youth program of the First State Destroyers Track Club of USA Track and Field, where he received numerous awards at both the local and national levels. The Track Club travelled extensively, with Micheal sometimes being accompanied by his track moms, Jessica Floyd and Atiya Blake. After high school, Michael matriculated at Delaware State University, graduating on May 14, 2022, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration. Immediately upon arrival at DSU, Michael immersed himself in the HBCU (Historically Black College and University) culture. He was actively involved in campus organizations and activities, including the Men’s Track Team; Mr. Eminent 2019, M.O.C.A (Men of Color Alliance); Vice-President of (F.B.M.A) Faithful Black Men Association; member of DSU chapter of N.O.B.L.E. (National Black Law Enforcement Executives); and Mr. Senior 2020-2021. Michael was delighted to attend a HBCU and was unapologetically proud to be a DSU Hornet. 

Micheal had a solid walk with Christ. As a young child, he attended the family’s home church, Community Presbyterian. During his teen years, he would attend Perfect Will Ministries, Inc., with his friends Frank and Zachariah and their father, Apostle Frank Burton. While in college, Michael attend bible study with F.O.R.C.E (Focusing on Renewing Christ-Like Existence) Ministries. He was known to Facetime his family and friends to engage in prayer. 

Early in the pandemic, Micheal was employed by the City of Wilmington, where he was responsible for taking the temperatures of those essential employees required to work in the office. It was there that Michael met Mayor Michael Purzycki. Michael shared with his mother that he and the mayor initially bonded over a shared first name; but that later conversations involved a discussion of the books they each were currently reading about racism and America’s treatment of black men. 

Michael was employed with Bank of America as a Consumer Credit Specialist, and in April 2023, he relocated to Texas. Outgoing and charismatic, Micheal had a trademark smile that would light up any room he entered. He had an equally huge heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. During his teen years, his friend, Jermal was having difficulties. Michael invited him to stay over one night, which turned into three years. After Michael having difficulties. Michael invited him to stay over one night, which turned into three years. After Michael moved to Texas, an elderly neighbor noticed his absence and asked his mother about him. The neighbor told Nikki that Michael would take her groceries inside and put them away. She also mentioned that Michael would cut her grass, which surprised Nikki because Michael did not even want to cut the grass at his own house. 

Michael was predeceased by his father, Clinton W. T. Mills, Sr., and his grandfather Sherman Walls. Cherishing his memories are his mother, Nikki Lewis; siblings, Shakia Brown, Aaron Jackson, Clinton Mills, II, Ky’Aire Mills, Dy’Mere Mills and Kyla Mills; maternal grandfather, John Lewis, Sr.; maternal grandmothers, Genell Walls and Diane Gooden; paternal grandmother, Donna Ray Mills; great-grandmother Freda Lewis; aunts, Desiree Gasby, LaTonya Ashley, Ebony Scruggs (Donald) Johnna Emory (Ty); uncles, John Lewis II, James Mills, Mikiail Mills (Fatimah), LaRon Carter, Erik Ashley; great-aunts Emma L. Barnes, Mary Rodgers, Patricia Williams, great-uncle, Rufus Barnes and James Mills; his Delaware State University Family; First State Destroyer’s Track Family; special friend Tyra Lewis; his close circle of friends, and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. 

Michael was the recipient of a scholarship from the Delaware State University Alumni Association. To pay it forward, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Delaware State University. Plans are underway to endow a scholarship in Michael’s memory.