Stella Mullins
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Obituary for Stella Churchill Mullins

Stella Churchill Mullins passed away on August 23, 2012 at the age of 77. She was born in Carrizo Springs, Texas on February 11, 1935 to Viola and Harry Churchill.

Stella Mullins experienced a long and distinguished career in the field of mental health, and her vision and leadership will influence the quality of life for Texas families for years to come. As President and CEO of the Mental Health Association in Texas (now named Mental Health America of Texas) she led the association’s work for 20 years, from 1982 through 2001. In that capacity, Stella was a major force who moved mental health concerns forward in very positive ways. Her advocacy contributed to material enhancements in the quality of care for the mentally ill in Texas. This was a catalyst in bringing greater public focus on, and increased funding for mental illness within our society.

Prior to directing the state association headquartered in Austin, she was Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Greater Dallas for three years, following three years there as director of programs dealing with child and adolescent issues.

A native of Texas, Stella was reared in Poteet as the eldest of three daughters. She attended public school there until entering college at North Texas State University in Denton where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956.

In 1956 Stella married Charles Mullins, a high school friend from Poteet. During 57 years of marriage he has provided constant support of Stella’s undertakings in mental health and related social services.

Stella received her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1975, and she continued her association with the University of Texas as a Field Instructor for the School of Social Work at both the University of Texas at Arlington (1978-1982) and the University of Texas at Austin (1984-2001). She mentored students from both schools and always encouraged them to achieve their highest level.

Stella was a graduate of Leadership Texas and in 1992 was the first recipient of the T. Berry Brazelton Infant Mental Health Advocacy Award for her highly effective advocacy on behalf of infants and children in Texas. She received the Texas Coalition for Juvenile Justice Outstanding Service Award in 1992 and the Helen Farabee Wings Award from the Texas Mental Health and Mental Retardation in 1997. She was also a member of the University of Texas Chancellor Council. In 2010 the Stella Churchill Mullins Endowed Presidential Scholarship at the University of Texas School of Social Work was created to honor her legacy.

In these capacities and throughout the final quarter of the Twentieth Century, Stella helped to improve care for the mentally ill; by increasing funding for scientific research aimed at preventing mental illness; and she pushed through public initiatives aimed at preventing child abuse, enhancing the quality of early childhood development throughout our society, and improving social education programs and health and human services to all Texas children regardless of their economic circumstances. She was instrumental in bringing the “Parents as Teachers” training program for early childhood development to parents.

Together, Stella and Charles became a powerful influence for good in our state and nation. Although the professional and civic career of Stella made a significant and social impact, dedication to her family was the primary commitment and focus of her life. Her family is an extension of her legacy in the pursuit of education and service to others in need.

Stella is survived by her husband, Dr. Charles B. Mullins; her daughter, Holly and husband Greg Vinella; her son, Dr. David Mullins and wife Dr. Rhonda Mullins; two granddaughters, Stella Vinella and Mary Elizabeth Mullins; and two grandsons, Charlie Mullins and Nick Vinella. She is also survived by her sisters, Iola C. Branscum and Harriet C. Smith.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 26th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home on North Lamar. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 27, 2012 in the Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel. Burial will be private.

Contributions may be made to the Stella Churchill Mullins Endowed Presidential Scholarship at UT School of Social Work, 1925 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, Texas 78712 or to Mental Health America of Texas, 1210 San Antonio, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78701.

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