Name: Collierville Funeral Home
Address: Collierville, TN

My cousin Debra Rogers and I (Jo Ann Peters back then)   Took dance lessons from Billie and Sammie when their studio was on Lamar.  We grew up in Parkway Village.  I remember Billie and Sammie with great fondness. I have lots of pics from dance and all our recitals at Ellis  auditorium.  My condolences to Sammie and all the family members.  What a sweet beautiful woman.  ❤️❤️❤️

My mom and dad bought a home in Parkway Village one door down from the McMillans on Chancellor. I was a teenager and her girls were younger.  I remember them well and fondly.  After I married and had a child of my own, I worked for them at Happy Times for a short while.  I remember that you guys had a red speedboat back in the 60’s and my dad bought that boat after my mom passed away and he moved back home to the Kentucky Lake area.  We lost dad in 2016. He was 91. Only fond memories of this family. Prayers for your family during these sad times. 

Just heard about this today and my thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Spent many great summers at the McMillan’s pool as my late mom, Tina Gift, taught swimming lessons there. Tami was a classmate of mine. My sister Leslie and I took dance from Miss Billie. Unfortunately, I just learned to work the coke machine, which was difficult, as I had to open a door and pull the bottle out simultaneously!

My heart grieves with you Sam, Debbie, Tami, Dana, Nancy and all of your precious family. Continuing to pray that God will comfort you as only He can.  Love to you all. 

I have so many wonderful memories of Billie, I don’t even know where to begin. A few special ones: of her generous hospitality to our church youth group with pool parties; of going to see Sam, Billie and Nancy’s show several times with Debbie, Rudy & Keith…we always had so much fun! Ms Billie taught my kids in children’s choir at PVBC and I remember a few times running the other direction when I saw her coming my way because I was afraid of what one of them had done that day! She was always patient with them, and encouraging to me as a young mom. Wonderful memories of going to Chattanooga for Reach Out women’s retreats. She always made those bus trips so fun! Ms Billie wowed me as a mom on several occasions and I learned from her, not by sitting down and being taught, but by observing her faith on display in good times and in hard times.  

Billie was such a wonderful role model for me, in how she loved Sam, her daughters, her grands and great-grands, but most of all Jesus….and had fun doing it. I am so thankful that God chose to intersect my life with hers and I look forward to seeing her again for all eternity! 

Ms Billie was always so sweet to my children in their years at Happy Times.  But my fondest memory of her was how she showed sisterly love!  She and he sister, Nancy, did their “Sisters” song and dance for us ladies on a Kay Arthur retreat. It was the sweetest and cutest thing to see the two of them dancing and singing together!!!!!  So much love!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

What a wonderful time I had living on Chancellor as a young teenager! Billie and the entire family were so welcoming- their home was always open! It was a joy to be there-whether it was being in the house listening to music or swimming in the pool.  I am thankful for having known Billie and her beautiful, loving smile.  

Mom was the best mother anyone could have.  Nobody could cheer me up on a bad day like Mom. She was so smart and I always appreciated her advice. She never forced it on me, but I always solicited it because she was so wise and was usually right. She was a parent to me when I was a child, but she became my best friend once I became an adult. I love her so much and will miss her terribly until I see her again. I’m happy she is with her Savior, Jesus Christ, no longer shackled by her earthly body. Love you so much, Mom. See you soon. #4

I worked for Billie for 35 years as  managing director  over  the Happy Times Day  Care  Centers.  During this time she never once made me feel as if I was an employee.  She and Sammy made me feel as if I was  a co-owner.  She was my friend, my sounding board, my mentor  and my spiritual  advisor and prayer partner.  She had a way of making you feel good  no matter the circumstances. I remember one day when I was going through a personal hardship she and Sammy came into my office and closed the door saying we have something we need to discuss with you .  I was thinking oh no it must be serious  for them both to be here and was bracing myself for bad news when they suddenly burst into a song and dance routine of " gray skies are going to clear up put on a happy  face " That was my " Billie Boss"  always thinking of others and bringing joy and encouragement  into their lives.   I look forward to that day when I will see her  dancing singing and laughing again!  

The hours my Nicole and Stacey spent at McMillan and Thompson and the recitals are some of my fondest memories. You were always a bundle of never ending energy and friendliness. ❤️

I remember one trip to New York when we danced on the Ted Mack Show. One "free" night, Miss Billie took us to see the Rockettes and to watch a movie at Radio City Music Hall. She sat behind me in the theater, and during a kissing scene in the movie (Dr. Zhivago), she promptly put her hands over my eyes so I couldn't watch! See, I was the youngest in the senior class, and she knew my mother would have done the same thing! 🤣 There are so many more memories, and I treasure them all! A tune just now popped in mind mind, " ...just put on a happy face!"
And now I enjoy one of my granddaughters while she performs! Always in my heart, Miss Billie! 

Now that Mom is with Jesus I am so happy that she is not suffering nor confused any more.  Her service was a beautiful reminder of her life and her love for her Savior Jesus Christ.  I hope to make her proud and continue her legacy by striving to be a Godly woman like she modeled.  
I love you Mommy and can’t wait to see you soon. 
Your Debbie. 

I fell in love with Billie's smile beginning with the evening Debbie and I told her and Sam we wanted to get married.  I'm proud to say I've seen thousands of her smiles in the 39 years we've been married.  For me, she was more of a friend than a mother-in-law.  People seldom realized that she was likely the most talented person in the room because it was not her way to display what she could do; she'd rather do something for others.  Her last years have been difficult to watch, but I rejoice with her now that she is whole again in the loving arms of the Saviour she loved so dearly, Jesus Christ!  There's that smile again!

I began working at Happy Times thirteen years ago. During that time, my husband did small repairs at the center for Mr. Sam. I received a frantic call from Mrs. Billie, on a Saturday, saying they had a water leak at their home. My husband, children, and I went right over. While he fixed their leak, BMc and Mr. Sam made my kids some snacks and they spent two hours cuddled on the couch. They showed my kids hundreds of photos, with a story behind each one, sang songs and even showed them some dance moves. While I've had many memories, this one is my absolute favorite.  I am forever grateful to the McMillan family. "Billie Boss" will be greatly missed.

So sorry for the loss of Ms. Billie.  She was such a big part of my life from 3 - 19. I know she is dancing with the angels. Love to Mr. Sammy, Ms. Debbie, Tamil, and Dana, plus the many grand and great grand kids.
Michelle Angarita
(1 of the Williams girls)

 I am so glad Billie brought  Debbie to Kay Arthur precept Bible study at Ridgeway Baptist Church. I knew they were a special mother daughter team. And I’m glad I have had the privilege of knowing them for 27 years .

I love you Mom.  Thank you for loving me.  I hope I can be half the Godly woman you have been and lived for all to see.  I want to make you proud and to keep your leagcy alive.  I will miss you and nothing will repair my hole in my heart.  But knowing you are whole and with Jesus and waiting for me makes it all more bearable. 
Can’t wait to see you again, Mommy
Love you 
Debbie ( child #1 and your mini me) 

Sammy, Nancy and Debbie  and family. I am so sorry for your loss of Billie!  She was (as was Sammy and Nancy) like family to me as a young student at McMillian and Thompson!  She was so incredibly patient and her smile ALWAYS made everything much much better! I know she will be ‘entertaining’ all the Angels in heaven!!! My prayers are with you all during this sad time, Devra Demetriou Branscome

It was a beautiful sunny day with a light breeze.  I usually don't remember details like that, but I do that day.  When I drove up  your driveway to pick up Tami your mom was outside sweeping.  She had a beautiful smile and seemed to be a very sweet woman.  

I know she will be greatly missed.  I'm praying for you.

Love,
Joyce Wiles

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Billie Joyce Thomson McMillan

12 juin 1938 – 30 juin 2018

Collierville Funeral Home

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