Joan Phillips Millar

Joan Marie Phillips Millar, 89 of Murrayville, GA was called home Easter morning April 9, 2023, following a sudden medical event. Much like her spirit, her passing was gentle and peaceful surrounded by the family she had dutifully served for decades. She was born June 25, 1933, in Newport News, VA to parents Turner Oliver Phillips and Esper Birge. One of five children, she was also raised by a wonderful stepfather William (Bill) Smith. She graduated from Warwick HS in Newport News. Joan’s love of children and passion for learning led her to become an educator. She furthered her studies at William and Mary, James Madison, and Oglethorpe Universities. In 1957 Mrs. Millar married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, John Donald (Don) Millar M.D. They remained inseparable for 58 years until his passing in 2015. Like her husband, Joan was a true renaissance woman with varied skills, interest, and hobbies. Throughout the years she served as a teacher, basketball coach, yoga instructor, and homemaker. In addition, she raised three children while supporting and encouraging her husband in his medical studies and career. Joan enjoyed gardening, reading, music, the arts, and most recently the Hallmark Channel! Other accomplishments included publishing a very fine book for the family on Genealogy. She was a member of The Mayflower Society and The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) among others, where she was honored to serve as a Treasurer, Second Vice Regent, and State Historian. Mrs. Millar was a faithful supporter of numerous missions and charities. Joan loved the LORD, her family, friends, and serving in her church. We remember her as a tireless and heroic mother whose light shined brightest in her role as Nana! She will be missed deeply. Joan is survived by her three children and their families. Stuart (Kathy) Millar, Alison (Robert) McMillan, and Ginny (Terry) Helms. Her grandchildren Christopher (Melody) McMillan, Hannah (Larkin) Millar, Andrew (Amanda) McMillan, Owen, Amelia, Seth Helms, John Millar and Alison Millar. And great grandchildren Lucas, Georgia, Madelyn, and Ellie. Her sisters Joyce Knox, Francis Higgins, and brother Harvey (Betty Jean) Phillips. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister Betty Lee. There will be visitation for the family at Barrett Funeral Home in Cleveland, GA Friday April 14, 2023 from 5-7pm. A celebration of Joan’s life will follow at 11:00 am on Saturday morning April 15, at First Baptist Church of Cleveland with Associate Pastor Dennis Turner officiating. The family welcomes donations to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers. We also want to give special thanks to caretaker Betty Lance, A Helping Hand Homecare, Hall County EMS, NEGMC cardiac care unit, Cleveland First Baptist Church, and Barrett Funeral Home for their loving care of our mother. To share a memory or leave a condolence with the family, visit barrettfh.com. Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.