Laura Denise McMillan

Laura Denise Rasberry McMillan entered into the presence of her Heavenly Savior, Jesus Christ, Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with her loving family by her side. She was blessed with a beautiful life, rich in family and friends, adventures and joy. Her life was lived energetically and intentionally. Her greatest gift, one in which she treasured and deeply loved, was her family. She took great pride in being a devoted wife, a present and loving mother, and the most incredible grandmother.

She was born to Lester and Jo Ann Rasberry in Jackson, Mississippi, on November 16, 1957. She was a stunning auburn haired, brown eyed, inquisitive but slightly shy child who had a tremendous heart for others. When she was in middle school, her father’s job relocated the family to Corinth, MS, where she was active in her church, First Baptist of Corinth. She was also a proud Corinth Warrior cheerleader that loved attending dances, and fellowshipping with her tight group of friends, a group that remains close presently. Those friendships established in her youth, brought incredible joy to her throughout her life. She also attended Northeast Community College, where she was a Tiger Cheerleader and Most Beautiful. It would be in this season of life, where this red headed beauty would catch the eye unknowingly of her lifetime love but that would take time for them both to realize. In the meantime, she attended Mississippi State University, studying education with an emphasis in special education. She would later apply much of that learning in parenting her children. She learned in one of her psychology classes, that allowing children to eat their desert before their supper actually encouraged them to focus less on the desert, and make better choices in diet. There were no objections in her home to this idea and she herself found it quite enjoyable.

Upon graduating from Mississippi State University, she obtained employment and was teaching high school English at Biggersville to students who were only 3 years her junior. In this profession, she thrived. It reaffirmed her desire to have her own babies and she knew just the handsome, dark headed guy that would make a perfect husband and father.

Bill and Denise, were joined in holy matrimony, August 8, 1980. The wedding was a celebration of two people, whom God had long ago chosen for the other. Her favorite color being yellow, made for the most gorgeous flower arrangements and décor. With both of their families present, and before God, they committed themselves to each other and never waivered on that promise. Their family would grow quickly, William Brandon in February of 1982, Ginger Denise in March of 1983, and a pleasant surprise, Shelbi Elizabeth in April of 1991. All while expanding their family, they both worked tirelessly establishing themselves professionally, loving each other, and seeking Christ in all things.

As the years passed, life changed, children became adults and she found more time with her beloved Bill. They enjoyed going to their Como cabin, attending walking horse shows, and spending quality time just the two of them. It was a rare pairing by most respects, they were quite opposite. She taught him manners, correct grammar, and showed him the deepest loyalty and love with her complete devotion to him and their family. He taught her how to ride horses, drive a tractor, and continuously showed his love and commitment to her and their family by his work ethic, his steadiness, strength, and generosity. Although both very different, they agreed on the most important things which welded them beautifully together. They loved Jesus, their children, and each other. A love so powerful, it sustained them in the hard times and enriched them during the best times.

She was and will always remain in our hearts and minds, as our momma, and the love of our daddy’s life. She was vivacious, always grinning, loved giving gifts and the sweetest hugs. She would watch anxiously as we participated in sports, rode wild horses, raced four-wheelers, all while just waiting, anticipating a boo-boo she would kiss away. It was also understood that if she made a certain sound while assessing our injuries, we could instantly tell if a kiss or a few stitches might be required. She was an incredible cook. She loved to smock the collars of our Sunday dresses and make homemade cookie dough, no matter how big the mess. She had an audible, high pitched sneeze that made it impossible for her to be successful at hide and seek. She made dumplins that would heal our souls when we came home distraught. She was quick to reach to hold a hand, when she could sense her touch would calm her loved ones. Most of all our momma loved Jesus. She led a life that her Christian faith illuminated her very presence. Her laugh was heavenly and infectious, her prayers were prompt and effective, her love, her embrace were perfect.

A Celebration of life will be held Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at McMillan Funeral Home with Bro. Tim Green officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the funeral home.

She is preceded in death by her parents Lester and Jo Ann Raspberry. She is survived by her husband, Bill McMillan, her children, Brandon (Bonnie), Ginger (Andy) and Shelbi (Whit), grandchildren Lyza, Landyn , Georgia, Brighton, Jane Hudson, Lucy, Maren and Hayes.

Pallbearers are Josh Westmoreland, Andy Greening, Dr. Ken Goodwin, Whit Flake, Andy Buchannon, Mike Kelly, Chris Fulper, Dustin Herring, Jimmy McMillan and Dick McMillan.