Joan Cayce Milligan

My dear sister, Joan. passed away peacefully at Orlando Westminster Towers on January 02, 2026. Joan was born on October 30, 1939, in Dayton, Ohio, to Melvin and Nancy Stewart Cayce. In 1953, our family moved to Orlando, and settled in on Nottingham Street in Orwin Manor. Joan was not a happy camper leaving her friends in Dayton. That is, until her first day at Memorial Junior High School, where she met friends that lasted her entire life. Joan went on to Edgewater High School, and then to Florida State University for one year where, in her own words, she majored in "fun", She then joined the staff at Colonial Bank of Orlando, later, the Orlando Bank and Trust Company, where she excelled in Customer Relations.

During this time, Joan met and married the love of her life, William Hamer Milligan, "Billy" to everyone. They married on October 13, 1962, and shortly thereafter, moved to Nottingham Street where she lived until entering Westminster Towers in July of 2024. Joan quickly became the "Sheriff of Nottingham", known to everyone in the community. She was a great organizer of neighborhood functions.

Joan and Billy were avid Florida Gator fans, later having the distinction of being presented on the Swamp field, as 50 year Gator Boosters.

Joan's interests were politics, womens fashion, and volunteerism. A life long Democrat, both Joan and Billy supported all Democratc office holders at the local, state, and national levels. They later had the great distinction of being invited to the White House to attend one of President Barrack Obama's State of the Union addresses and to sit with First Lady Michelle Obama in the House Chamber.

Joan loved fashion, and worked with the Doncaster brand first as a home retailer, and then later as District Manager for the State of Florida. She outfitted many of Central Florida's best dressed.

Joan believed that volunteering was the key to building and supporting the community, writ large. Joan was a Sustainer Member of the Junior League of Greater Orlando, and had spent over 50 years working with women in the organization to build better communities. Joan was honored with the Summit Award from the Women's Resource Center for her community service. She served as President of the Volunteer Center of Central Florida; President of the UCF Town and Gown organization; and served on the Loch Haven Board. Joan was also a life member of the Rosalind Club of Orlando. Just in the past two years Joan was honored by the Sustainers with the "Joan Cayce Milligan I love the League Award", which is presented each year to a deserving member of the Junior League.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband Billy. Joan is survived by her Brother Jimmy, and his husband Tom, of Hollidaysburg, Pa., as well as many neices, nephews and cousins by marriage, and a legion of friends. On a personal note, I want to thank the caregivers at Visiting Angels; the staff at Westminster Towers, particularly Nadine; Hospice; and her loving roomate, Francile. In particular, Laura Beardall McLeod, was my eyes and ears on almost a daily basis during Joan's time at Westminster. I am forever grateful.

Joan's interment at Greenwood will be private. A celebration of Joan's life is being planned and will be announced at a later date.

Donations in Joan's memory may be made to the Sustainers of the Junior League of Greater Orlando, PO Box 530076, Orlando, Fl. 32853-6186.