Eleanor Derother Millner Blyther, affectionately known as "Dee Dee", age 81, of Galax, Virginia departed her earthly life on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC.  She was born in Galax, Virginia on February 3, 1942, to Professor Hensile F. and Bishop Mary R. McMillian Millner.  She was a graduate of Lucy Addison High School in Roanoke, Virginia. Following her high school graduation she moved to Washington, DC where she resided for over 40 years. There she married George Blyther in 1962. She attended the University of the District of Columbia formerly known as Federal City College and was employed at the United States Department of Commerce. She was awarded a certificate from the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for her distinguished service as a juror. Dee Dee drove for Capital Cab Association for many years until she paid the cost to be the boss and found success as an entrepreneur in the cab industry. In owning her own cab business, she remained successful for over 30 years in the Nation's Capital of Washington, DC. She enjoyed singing with her sisters who were known as "The Millner Sisters." They traveled with their parents sharing the Gospel in Song throughout the local area.  At a young age she professed Christ and remained faithful throughout her life. She became a member of Gospel Temple True Church of the Living God #3 in Washington, DC under her eldest sister Pastor Belvis Early. Following her retirement, she returned home and joined Gospel Temple #2 Redeemed True Church of the Living God in Galax, Virginia where she remained a member until her passing. She will be remembered as "The Boss Lady", a dedicated worker, a great singer, devoted sister, and favorite aunt always with a good joke and laughter. While her family is grieving at the loss of their first sibling, they rejoice in knowing that she has gained her heavenly home and was welcomed by her parents into God's kingdom.

Left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Pastor Belvis Early of Roanoke, VA, Debra Gambill of Galax, VA, and Mary Bryson of Kanas City, Missouri; two brothers, Hensile F. Millner, Jr. of Woodlawn, VA and Bishop Charles W. Millner of Galax, VA; also surviving are a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Paul McMillian and Robert McMillian; nephews, Lewis Gambill, Dennis McMillian, and Perry McMillian.

Homegoing services will be conducted on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Gospel Temple True Church of the Living God 154 Klondike Rd., Independence, Virginia. She will lie in state from 12:00 noon until the hour of the service. Officiating will be her niece, Linda "Flair" Millner, Eulogist, Bishop Charles W. Millner. Interment will follow at Monta Vista Gardens in Galax, VA.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions made to Gospel Temple True Church of the Living God Building Fund c/o Bishop Charles W. Millner 222 Calloway Street Galax, VA 24333. The family will be receiving family and friends at the Gospel Temple Parsonage at 158 Klondike Road Independence, VA 24348.

Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home is serving the Blyther family.