Melva Renee Mcmillan

Melva R. McMillan, 66, a retired Navy officer, died peacefully, Monday July 11,2022, after a courageous and valiant fight against cancer.

Melva was born in Battle Creek, MI, on May 20, 1956, the daughter of Melvin and Edwina Hawkins, and was a graduate of Spelman College. She received her graduate degree from Central Michigan University.

She joined the Navy in 1981 and during a career spanning 21 years, she served in Italy, and Japan, and at numerous stateside bases -- including a two-year tour of duty as Training Officer aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

After her retirement from the Navy, she achieved her goal to become a certified personal trainer and operated her own personal fitness studio in suburban Atlanta, GA, before relocating to Northern Virginia to accept a position as a Human Resources Specialist, working subsequently for three federal agencies Department of Defense Healthcare Management Agency, National Endowment for the Arts, and Small Business Administration until her retirement in November 2018.

She was a member of the American Society for Training & Development and the Project Management Institute. She also was a member of the Military Officers Association. Among her military decorations were the Meritorious Service Medal; the Joint Service Commendation Medal; the Navy Commendation Medal; and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Predeceased by her parents and sister Edwina Michelle Claytor, survivors include her beloved husband, Col. (Ret.) Howard McMillan, U.S. Army, Stafford VA; stepson Jason McMillan, Munich, Germany; stepdaughter Janell McMillian, West Columbia, SC; sisters: Rev. Denise Henley (William Jr.); Chicago IL; Rebecca Walker (Tony), Richmond Hts., OH; brothers: Ricky Hawkins, Chicago, IL; Troy Nelson, Milledgeville, GA; Stepmother; Jessie Hawkins, and brother-in-law Charles Claytor II, Durham, NC, and eleven nephews and nine nieces.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a gift in memory of Melva (Hawkins) McMillan to support her beloved alma mater, Spelman College. Please mail checks to 350 Spelman Lane SW, Box 1303, Atlanta GA 30314 or make an online donation at www.spelmanlane.org/giving. In both instances, please specify your gift is “In memory of Melva (Hawkins) McMillan”.