Winona Mills Blackburn 77 daughter of the late Ralph Erskine and Floy Lominick Mills of Newberry SC died Saturday September 10 2011 at the Heritage at Lowman in White Rock SC. A graveside service to celebrate her life will be held Saturday September 17 2011 at 6:30 P.M. in Rosemont Cemetery conducted by the Rev. Dr. David Seymour. Winona grew up attending the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and the Newberry City Schools. A graduate of Newberry College she held a B.A. degree in Music as well as Masters degrees in both Music Education and Counseling from Manhattan College. Having spent her entire career devoted to both these fields she had been the Department Chairman most recently in the Tarrytown NY schools. An arts enthusiast she had been Docent at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City before moving to the Heritage at Lowman. She is survived by her daughter Marcia Carroll Blackburn of Binghamton NY; a brother Robert E. Mills of Miami FL; sisters-in-law Mary Alewine Mills of Newberry Faye Mills of Irmo and Elaine Bronkhorst Mills of Miami FL; and a number of much loved nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to her parents she is predeceased by her brothers Beamon L. Mills Ralph E. (Annie Laurie) Mills Erskine L. (Mary Alma) Mills and Hubert P. Mills; and her special friend and companion Mr. Lou Tambini of New York City. Family and friends of Winona were invited to attend the funeral service and did received immediately afterward at the graveside. In lieu of flowers memorials be made to the Alzheimers Association (Midlands Chapter) 3223 Sunset Blvd. Suite 100 West Columbia SC 29169 or to the Bethany Employees Fund at the Heritage at Lowman 2101 Dutch Fork Road White Rock SC 29177. The family was at the home of her niece Mary Linda M. Hill 2021 Mower St. Newberry SC 29108. On line condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.