Donna Mae Dunagan McMillan went to her heavenly home on Nov. 30, 2022. Born on Dec. 28, 1948, in Tifton, Ga., Mrs. McMillan was the wife of Emory David McMillan, Jr. and the youngest daughter of the late Rev. William Melvin and Frances Martin Dunagan.
Mrs. McMillan grew up as a preacher’s daughter, spending much of her time playing the piano in church and praising the Lord through music. Upon marrying the love of her life, David, on June 29, 1969, she served as music director at Unity Baptist Church in Chattooga County and led a children's choir at West Rome Baptist Church in Rome, Ga. She graduated from Shorter College in 1970 with a Bachelor of Music and later from Georgia College & State University with a Master’s in Education. In addition to West Rome Baptist Church, she gave many years to children's choirs at First Baptist Church Vidalia, First Baptist Church Fitzgerald, and First Baptist Church Milledgeville. She also sang in adult choirs and was the organist at First Baptist Church Fitzgerald and pianist at First Baptist Church Milledgeville. She encouraged a love of music in children through choir festivals and children’s musicals including “We Like Sheep,” “Its Cool In The Furnace,” and “O Me, O My, O Nehemiah.” Mrs. McMillan loved music and devoted her life to spreading the joy of music to her elementary students, church children's choirs, and church congregations.
Mrs. McMillan had a heart and calling for teaching. She taught many grades in elementary public schools before she began teaching elementary music where she was affectionately known as Mrs. McMusic to her youngest students. She led and co-directed many school musicals, including “Annie Junior,” “Willie Wonka Junior,” and “Music Man Junior,” and retired from Creekside Elementary School in Milledgeville in 2008. She also taught private piano lessons to many students, a few of whom have grown into professional musicians. Mrs. McMillan was also an active member of the Milledgeville and Clayton Music Clubs. Her joy and love for teaching inspired her students, coworkers, and family.
Following her retirement, Mrs. McMillan moved to Clayton in 2008. She and her husband found their home church at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church. While there, Mrs. McMillan enjoyed serving once again through music by playing the piano, the organ, and singing in the choir. She also filled her days by participating in Presbyterian Women, book club, and Bible study. Mrs. McMillan lived to serve Jesus and love her husband, daughters, sons-in-laws, and granddaughters.
Mrs. McMillan is survived by her husband of 53 years, Emory David McMillan, Jr., her daughters, Mryanne (Blaine) McMillan Peacock of Rabun County, Georgia, and Miriam (Kirk) McMillan Shook of Bogart, Ga., and granddaughters Emma Peacock, Abby Peacock, and Maggie Peacock.
The family received friends at the Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
A funeral service was held at the Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, Rev. Don Barber and Rev. Grady Walden.
Burial was held at the Brushy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery 454 Brushy Creek Road Ocilla, GA 31774 on Sunday Dec. 4, 2022, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Robert Coey.
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.
The Clayton Tribune
December 8, 2022