Millicent Irene Notyce

So He gently closed his loving eyes, And whispered, “Peace Be Thine.”

Millicent Irene Notyce peacefully departed this life when she was called home by our heavenly Father on August 28, 2016, at the age of 86.

Millicent was born on October 19, 1929 in Gatun, Canal Zone (Panama) to the late Adina Gooding and Archibald Smith. She attended Silver City (Rainbow City) Occupational High School where she was amongst the first graduating class. Millicent graduated valedictorian of her class on June 12, 1949. She was predeceased by two sisters, Iris Best and Clariss Owen and two brothers, Livingston Best and Joseph Best.

In July 1950, Millicent married the love of her life, Clarence Edward Notyce and resided in Rainbow City. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Pedro Miguel, Canal Zone where they lived for the next 27 years. During this time, they were blessed with three children: Carlos, Cecilia and Conrado. “Millie,” as she was passionately called by her late husband of 62 years, took care of the children and made a wonderful home for their family. Millie’s home was always open to relatives, neighbors and friends as she had a deep passion for caring for others. If you needed a place to sleep, she gave you a bed and if you were hungry, she had room at her table. To Millie, family was the most important thing.

Millic and Clarence moved to Virginia Beach, VA in 1977 to be near their children. She was employed at Rice’s Department Store for approximately 10 years where she served as a seamstress. She later worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Millie quickly made friends on her jobs and was always sought after for her wisdom. She could relate and find something in common with anyone as she had friends of all ages. She was a member of Green Run Baptist Church where she enjoyed attending faithfully.

Among many things, Millie was a talented seamstress, a master chef and an avid reader. She enjoyed hobbies such as shopping, entertaining, crossword puzzles and travelling. Her love of travel took her to many places across the states and overseas, including Japan, Germany, Jamaica and frequent trips to Panama. Most recently, she travelled to Barbados, West Indies to attend the Best, Gadsby, Gooding and Smith family reunion. This was one of her most memorable trips because it was the birthplace of her mother and father.

Millie touched the lives of many and leaves to cherish her memories a daughter Cecilia (Thaddeus) of San Antonio, TX, and two sons, Carlos of Orlando, FL and Conrado (Kathy) of Woodbridge, VA. She leaves eight grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Carla (Craig), Carlos II (Tina), Darnell (Sandy), Neysa, Conrado, Jr., Derrick (Pearl), Corina and Carlia. She was truly blessed with 18 great-grandchildren: Kody, Allysa, Amari, Dante, DeShaun, Xavier, Celeste, Cahnye, Chris, Cree, Kaylia, Destiny, Donovan, Maiah, Cade, Demi, Delilah and DeAuna. One of her greatest pleasures in life was taking care of her great-grandchildren. Known to many as mom, godmother, auntie and friend, Millie also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends who loved her dearly.

Lovingly submitted by The Family

My life’s been full, I savored much,

My family, good friends and good times.