Rebecca McMillan

Funeral service for Rebecca McMillan, 94, of Red Springs, will be held 2 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2019, at HC Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, Wagram. Burial will follow in the Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery. Viewing and visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 16, 2019, at HCSMBC. Services are entrusted to Purcell Funeral Home of Laurinburg.

Martha Rebecca (McLean) McMillan of Red Springs, NC age 94 peacefully departed and entered eternal rest Thursday, May 9, 2019, at Moore Regional Hospital, Pinehurst, NC. Rebecca affectionately known as “Beck” was born October 4, 1924, in Maxton, NC.

Ms. Beck was a caring and loving daughter of the late Dixon McLean, Sr. and the late Mandy Jane McLean. She was preceded in death by her brothers Willie, Dixon Jr., King David McLean John Willie McLean, sisters Janie Bell Merritt and Mary Lee Robinson.

At an early age, Ms. Beck joined Island Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Maxton, NC. She married the late James McMillan and made their residence in Red Springs, NC, where she resides until her death.  From this union, they were blessed with 10 children. She was preceded in death by her sons John Calvin “J.C” McMillan, Minister Betty Mumford and Louise McMillan Gillis.

Upon her marriage, Ms. Beck joined Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she served as dedicated Deaconess and Mother of the Church.  She worked diligently in many auxiliaries serving the Lord as a faithful missionary, and choir member.  In 2003, she was blessed to see the building of the new church. Beck was an active student in Sunday School and who always asked questions and was available to answer as needed. Beck was actively involved in the Morning Worship Service; She could be seen in the Amen Corner singing, clapping her hands and praising the Lord.  One of her favorite songs was Lord, hold my Hand While I Run This Race. Her prayer always started with Father, I stretch my hands to Thee, no other help I know, If I Thou withdraw Thyself from me, oh wither shall I go?

There is no doubt that Ms. Beck loved the Lord and she loved her church. She faithfully paid her tithes and always paid extra money for the Youth Sunday School, even when no one was there. She often sacrificed her monetary birthday and Christmas gifts for the Church’s Building Fund. She always spoke about how the Lord kept blessing her and told how God was good to her all the time. Ms. Beck thrived off spending time with her family. She loved and enjoyed the extra noise and all the attention from her children, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She thoroughly enjoyed hearing the comments about her on Facebook. She was excited to see her family and friends on Facetime. Ms. Beck welcomed everyone into her home with open arms.

Once you came into her house, you were no longer a visitor; you were family! She always made sure that you ate a big meal and she would make sure that you left with an extra plate.  Ms. Beck always asked questions for no other reason than her concern about you and she would do anything for you.

Ms. Beck was a humble and loving woman. She spoke her mind when she had to and would hug you right after she got on you regardless of what it was. She never held grudges. She was blessed with the opportunity to vote for the first Black President. Although her education was limited, she was full of knowledge. She had a sharp mind and could remember almost everything. We all knew that her favorite food was fish and black coffee with sugar. One of her favorite things to do was to shell peas. She was thankful and grateful for everything that she had. Ms. Beck was very active in the Court of Calanthe, African American Women’s organization that helped the poor and needy. She faithfully attended all her meetings and group functions. This provides an opportunity for her to help others at home and abroad. Ms. Beck was well known throughout the community and surrounding areas.

Ms. Beck’s loving memories will be cherished and remembered forever by her loving sons James “Bobby” McMillan of Raeford, NC, Eddie K. McMillan of Red Springs, NC, and Garry McMillan of Laurinburg, NC; two daughters Katie McMillan (Gwyn) of Raeford, NC, Jayne McDuffie of Monroe, NC, and grandson James Robert McMillan of Raeford, NC; two sisters Patsy Johnson of Baltimore, MD, Margaret McLean of Maxton, NC; one brother Frank McLean of Tabor City, NC; one son-in-law James Gwyn of Winston-Salem, NC, Twenty-one grandchildren, Thirty-nine great-grandchildren, Eleven great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, church family, nurses, caretakers, extended family and friends.

Today, we celebrate the life of our beloved Rebecca McMillan and we too will continue to serve the Lord so that we may also rejoice in the presence of the Lord. We were truly blessed each day to have had her in our lives. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

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