Betty Maize McMillan

Quiet Reflections and Obituary

 God in His infinite wisdom and divine love called from our midst our loved one, Betty Brinkley McMillan, to her eternal home on Saturday morning at 12:45 a.m., May 27, 2017 at UNC Hospital-Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  She was born on July 13, 1935 to the late Sam Brinkley and the late Beatrice Brinkley in Harnett County, North Carolina.

 Betty Brinkley McMillan was educated in Cumberland County Schools. At an early age she professed faith in Christ; was baptized and joined Bethel A.M.E. Church, where she remained an active member up until her illness. She was on the Senior Usher Board at Bethel, the Steward Board, the Women’s Missionary Society, the Ladies Aide, and the Lay Council -serving as both president for the church and the district. She also coordinated services for Military Services Day.

 For many years Betty served as a military spouse devoting countless hours of volunteer time assisting military families at Army Community Services within the US and abroad.   She was employed at Pope Air Force Base for several years.  She had a sincere love for country and military veterans.  She was a dedicated and passionate member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9883 and the Military Order of the Cootie.  From 1996-1997 she was the first African-American female to serve as the Grand President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars , Department of North Carolina.  As the 65th President, she served with distinction and honor.  Betty was also a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans.

 Betty was very active in the community volunteering her time in a number of capacities.   She volunteered with the public schools and the American Red Cross.  She served as a scout leader for both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, and she often visited the elderly in nursing facilities. In 1996 she was honored by Governor James B. Hunt with the

distinguished North Carolina Oder of the Long Leaf Pine for her outstanding contributions to community service. 

 Just like her father, Betty possessed a love for the land.  She spent many hours working in her flower beds and she loved gardening.  She was also a founding member of the Sandhill’s Family Heritage Association which promotes land ownership, land conservation and family heritage.   She served on the Board of Directors as Board Chair. She spent time helping to plan and participate in the annual Sankofa festival held in Spring Lake.

 Betty was preceded in death by a son, Laverne McMillan.  We who survive to honor her by following her example are: devoted companion, Eugene Randon; two daughters, Vera Jones (Landy) and Karen Johns (Tony); one son, Cottous McMillan all of Cameron, NC; two brothers, Willie Calvin Brinkley and Linwood Brinkley of Cameron, NC; two sisters-in-law, Willie Mae Brinkley and Betty Brinkley of Cameron, NC, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; a number of nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends.