Three and a half years ago, Thomas and Karen Mills were living in Charter Colony with no plans of moving. However, that changed when they stumbled upon the perfect lot on Finningham Mews: Thomas and Karen were sold. The family started building in January of 2020 and moved in that summer.

 

Thomas and Karen are Richmond natives—both born at Chippenham Hospital. Thomas grew up in Chester, and graduated from Thomas Dale High School. Karen grew up close by in Chesterfield, and was in the first graduating class at Cosby High School. While they never met growing up, their paths crossed shortly after Karen arrived at Christopher Newport University. When asked, she tells us how they met: “[On the] first day of classes my freshman and Thomas’s sophomore year of college at Christoper Newport University in Computer Science class. Thomas arrived late to class with his skateboard and fraternity letters on his shirt. I called 'dibs' on him with my new friends. He attempted to speak with me after class after learning we both were from the Richmond area and likely had mutual friends through his baseball playing days. In Thomas’s words, I 'totally shot him down.' But he wasn’t discouraged, and we were officially dating after meeting each other’s large families that Thanksgiving. We were married on 12.13.14 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart near VCU with a reception at Willow Oaks Country Club.” 

 

They live in their home on Finningham Mews with their daughter, Kayleigh (5); son, Christian (2); and their pet, Peaches. They both attended Christopher Newport. Thomas transferred to VCU after his sophomore year and has both an undergraduate degree in Communications and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Public Relations from there. He is currently in the MBA program at the University of Richmond and will graduate this August. Karen graduated from CNU with a degree in Social Work, Civic Engagement, and Social Entrepreneurship. She later received a Master of Clinical Social Work from VCU. Thomas recently started a new role as the strategic marketing director for Ourisman Automotive. Karen is the Director of Case Management at Encompass Health Hospital.  

 

Kayleigh is in her second year of ballet at Maryanne Kelley’s School of Dance. She loves to dance. Karen also danced from childhood to college. Her mother also danced throughout her life. They enjoy sharing their love of dance with the next generation. As a family they prefer to be outside – whether it’s a walk down by the river, the neighborhood playground, playing on the swings in the backyard, bubbles, chalk, or driving electric toy cars in the cul-de-sac. They also enjoy a good family movie night in the basement with lots of popcorn and snuggles. 

 

They have a very large extended family in the area, so family dinners are hosted at a grandparent’s house with space for all the cousins to play. In true Richmonder fashion, the Tobacco Company is where they go for special occasions, graduations, and their wedding rehearsal dinner, and they even took engagement pictures at the restaurant. Thomas worked there throughout college, and they spent lots of time there with friends. 

 

When heading out of town, to the beach it is! “We both grew up in beach families. Every summer we spent a week or two in the Outer Banks. This tradition continues every summer and now winter too with our family Christmas party at the beach with the entire extended family for a long weekend. The beach is our family's happy place.”

 

Karen shared a sweet story with us when we asked if they had any special family traditions. “My grandmother passed away right after a visit from St. Louis to Richmond when I was a child. She was amazed by the beauty of the Crepe Myrtle trees throughout the area. This is another reason why I love Tarrington, especially when the entrance is in full bloom. After her passing our family planted a Crepe Myrtle at Maymont. Throughout my childhood, my family often enjoyed picnics under the tree. Thomas proposed to me there, and we now take our children for picnics under Grandma’s Tree.”

 

Of course, we also had to ask, what is your favorite part about living in your neighborhood? “The people. We have the best neighbors. Everyone is so friendly. We enjoy all the neighborhood activities. Also, the location. You can’t beat the walking to the river and accessibility to downtown and the west end.”

 

Thank you, Mills Family, for sharing your story with us!