Obituaries

Millie Duty Clevinger passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2025, just days before her 90th birthday. Born on December 30, 1935, Millie lived a life defined by devotion to family, quiet strength, and a deep appreciation for the simple, meaningful moments of everyday life.

Millie’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her endless pride and happiness. She was a devoted mother and grandmother whose love and care shaped generations.

Millie was also a proud military wife. During her husband’s service, she managed a home and raised two young children while he was away on temporary duty assignments, showing remarkable independence, resilience, and strength.

She first worked at a daycare and later served as a teacher’s assistant for special needs preschool children. She also worked at Dollar Tree, where she remained active and independent, finally retiring at the age of 80.

She had a creative spirit and a generous heart. Millie loved sewing and gardening, enjoyed spending time outdoors watching and feeding her birds, and found happiness in caring for others. She especially loved feeding people and making sure no one ever left her home hungry. She enjoyed riding Sea-Doos, watching The Bachelor, relaxing with her beloved Hallmark movies, and never missed a chance to enjoy her favorite music — especially anything by Elvis Presley, who held a special place in her heart.

Millie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Harold Clevinger; her son, James Harold Clevinger II; and her siblings, Mildred Trout, Charles R. Duty, Sr., Janice Sue Harrison, and Jim “James” E. Duty.

She is survived by her daughter, Debi Mayes; her grandchildren, Lauren Brown (husband Alex), Dever Clevinger, Kaitlin Clevinger, and Amber Chaney (husband Kevin); her great-grandchildren, Daley, Riley, Lila, Kelsey, and Miles; her brothers, Junior Duty and Clarence Duty; extended family members including Lynne Clevinger and Chasity Clevinger; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Millie will be remembered for her warmth, her steady presence, and the way she made people feel cared for and welcome. She was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Millie’s life will be held on Saturday, January 3, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News, concluding at 12:30 p.m., followed by a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Trinity Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore at https://foodbankonline.org/give/donate-now/ or Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore 800 Tidewater Drive Norfolk, VA 23504.