Doris Elaine McMillian

Doris Elaine (Francis) McMillian joyfully reunited with her husband of 67 years and many loved ones in heaven on Friday, June 21, 2024. Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend will live on in our cherished memories until we all meet again at Jesus’ feet.

Born to Orville and Zella (Stacy) Francis on May 31, 1937, in Saco, Madison County, Missouri, Doris always spoke fondly of the early years she spent with her older brother Donald, younger sister Delores, and many extended family members at the Trace Creek homestead. 

When the Francis family moved to Fredericktown in 1947, Doris began attending Fredericktown schools and the Francis and McMillian families became neighbors. This is when Doris met her future husband, Herb. She loved recounting the story of how she would visit Herb’s neighborhood store to purchase groceries for the family.

Doris loved school and was well-respected among both her peers and instructors as a kind and intelligent student. Before graduating from Fredericktown High School in May of 1955, she was crowned “Queen of Love and Beauty”, a tribute to the kindness and friendship she shared with all who knew her. Doris was also actively involved with her church youth group and was a proud member of the Fredericktown First Free Will Baptist Youth Choir that would tour and perform throughout the region.

Because of her excellent student record, she was hired at the Democrat News in Fredericktown and later recommended for employment at the St. Louis Terminal Field and Warehouse Company. Later, when her sons were in school, she worked several years for the Central School District.

On December 5, 1955, Doris was married to Charles Herbert “Herb” McMillian at the home of Sylvester Hand in the Village Creek Community. To this union three sons were born and raised: David (Barb) McMillian of Park Hills, Darrell (Julie) McMillian of Imperial, Roger (Jane) McMillian of Park Hills. 

Doris was a loving grandmother to seven: Amy (John) Parker, Jeremy (Leanna) McMillian, Lauren McMillian, Lois (Brandon) Wicks, Stuart (Jennifer) McMillian, Matthew (Becky) McMillian, Nicholas (Sammi) McMillian and great-grandmother to seventeen: Lexi, Kimber, Kaden, Sam, Zella, Jessie, Rory, Addie, Penny, Ellie, Mari, Margaret, Bohdi, Zaylee, Zeah, Marley, and Emerson. Her joy in watching her children and grandchildren grow and develop was apparent every time she was able to spend time with them. Doris also cherished her many nieces and nephews.

In addition to caring for her family, Doris took great pleasure in being the family historian and genealogist. As a dedicated researcher of family and community history, she was a respected member and leader within the Captain Henry Whitener Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving for many years as treasurer. She voluntarily compiled genealogical records for Madison County each year and donated her comprehensive obituary indexes to local libraries. Many times, she was called upon as a valued genealogical resource to individuals searching for family information in Madison and surrounding counties.

Doris was baptized at Thompson Ford on the Little St. Francis River in Madison County, Missouri and joined the Fredericktown First Free Will Baptist Church in 1949. While she attended other churches, her membership remained at Fredericktown until she and Herb joined the Hurryville Free Will Baptist Church in 1962. While at Hurryville, Doris served as Sunday School teacher, church clerk, and treasurer. 

Doris fulfilled the responsibility of serving as minister’s wife when Herb was called to pastor the Potosi Free Will Baptist Church in 1983 and continued to pastor at the Oak Hill, Copper Mines, and Gospel Light Free Will Baptist Churches. Doris applied her wisdom and strength as they served and fellowshipped with many treasured friends and associates throughout Madison, St. Francois, and Washington Counties for 40+ years. During this time, she also volunteered at Mama’s Thrift Shop and used her clerical and bookkeeping skills to support the various Free Will Baptist congregations and associations.

Doris was a source of spiritual strength to her family, friends, and congregation members. We remember and honor her love of others, her strength of conviction, her commitment to prayer, and her joy in the Lord.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Herb McMillian who had recently passed on June 25, 2023, and her sister, Delores Francis Tucker.

The family will receive friends, Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Gospel Light Free Will Baptist Church at 7422 Stormy Lane, Bonne Terre, Missouri from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and again on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Pastor Larry Allison will be officiating. The graveside service will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Leadington. Memorial contributions may be directed to Gospel Light Free Will Baptist Church.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge.