Mary L. Millage

Heaven is celebrating as Mary L. (Smith) Millage was called home to receive her permanent angel wings on February 17, 2016 after an extended illness.
Born March 15, 1932, in Columbia, KY, to parents Guy and Mattie (Loy) Coomer, she lived most of her life in Anderson. She retired from Delco Remy Plant 20 in 1987, after 34 years and was an active member of New Beginnings Church where she rejoiced and loved her church family, especially being a part of the ladies group. She enjoyed making crafts, flower arrangements, quilting, having rummage sales, and had a love for animals, especially her four-legged granddogs, Lucy and Caesar.
Mary always had a smile on her face, a laugh that was infectious, and a caring hand for someone in need. She unconditionally took care of the two men she loved, her first husband of 30 years James K. Smith, Jr. who earned his wings in 1983 after an accident paralyzed him 12 years prior, and her second husband of 20 years, Robert L. Millage, who journeyed to Heaven in 2007 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Her love never wavered as she tirelessly took care of them both until the end.
Mary still found the energy to care for so many other friends and neighbors that needed a helping hand and a loving friend. She spent her life loving and caring for her family, she was their biggest cheerleader and the first to tell them if she thought they were not living up to their potential. She taught her family and friends what being a servant of God meant by the example she set. Mary’s faith was forever strong, never wavered, and was never questioned, she worshipped God until her last breath.
Mary leaves behind four sons, Roy Kim Smith, Michael W. Smith, Monty (Jan) Millage, and Kyle (Heather) Millage; and daughters, Nancy L. Smith and Judy (Larry) Byrne. Grandchildren who made her eyes light up just by walking into the room, Crystal (Trenton) Karas, Cody (Marissa) Smith, Missy (Terry) Morris, LeAnn Jones, Nathan (Crystal) Millage, Matt Millage, and Autumn Millage. Great-grandchildren who she loved more than life, Austin McKissack, Whitney McKissack, Merrick Karas, Saphira Karas, Madyson Edwards, Kendon Taylor, Terry Morris III, Kaleigh Morris, Zachary Morris, Devin Morris, Alexis Jones, Olivia Jones, Brody Millage, and Alex Millage. She also leaves behind sisters Opal White and Sue Clark; brother Paul Coomer; and a multitude of nieces and nephews, many who remember her house as the one where they spent many memorable Christmas dinners and family time. Mary also leaves behind special friend, Elmer Pring.
Along with her two husbands and parents, Mary was preceded in death by sisters Ruth Furkins, Ann Blockson, and Ruby Hollopeter; brothers, James, Frank, Frances, Marvin, Lemuel, and John Coomer; and special daughter-in-law, Patricia (Colton) Smith.
Services will be Monday at 1 p.m. at Brown, Butz, and Diedring Funeral Home in Anderson with the Rev. Gary Marcum officiating. Burial will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to service Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association, or Susan G. Komen Foundation.