Mildred “Millie” Lemon died on her 93rd birthday March 13, 2017 at Deaconess Charlier Hospice Center in Evansville, IN.
She was surrounded by family and friends during her last few days and was ready to celebrate this birthday with God.
She was born on March 13, 1924 in Shattuck, OK to Henry Winfield and Margaret Elizabeth (Nicholson) Smith. She attended Plainville High School and beautician training in Thomasville, GA. On January 15, 1942, Millie married the love of her life Harry Junior Lemon. She was also a retired UniRoyal employee.
Anyone who knew Millie would tell you that the two most important things in her life were God and her family. Her smile could light up a room and everyone cherished her amazingly wonderful hugs. Few people possess the capacity she had to be simultaneously tough and kind. She was an extraordinary woman who loved everyone unconditionally. She had a fierce competitive streak and loved to win at anything from board games to a round of golf. Millie was a fantastic cook and took great pride in making wonderful holiday meals for her family.
Millie was an active and devoted member of Central Christian Church. In her previous church, she was the president of the Missionary Society. She loved to quilt, and the proceeds from her quilts were sent to missionaries.
Millie is survived by her daughter Debra Joy Breeden; son-in-law Larry Gilley; grandchildren Angie Fox, Jarrod Gilley (Debora), Carmen Kane (Nathan), April Breeden-Peairs (Crystal), and Vanessa Wagler (Ryan); great grandchildren Bryce, Jake, Joshua, Jerika, Kyle, Macie, Whitney and Luke.
She is preceded by her husband Harry Junior Lemon; eldest daughter Brenda Lou Gilley; son-in-law Carl Breeden; parents; sisters Gladys Beck and Geneva Lee; and brothers Charles, Orville, Glenn, Lewis, Roscoe, and John Smith.
Services to honor her life will take place on March 17th, 2017 at 11:00 am at Gill Funeral Home, 308 E. Walnut Street, Washington, IN 47501. Visitation will be on March 16th from 5:00-8:00 pm. Entombment will follow the service at Sugarland Memory Gardens Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mildred’s honor to Central Christian Church of Washington. Online condolences may be made at www.gillsince1872.com