Franchelle Cole Millender

Franchelle Cole Millender passed away Thursday, October 26th, 2023, with her son and daughter-in-law at her side. Others of her family were blessed to be able to speak with her in her last hours: her sister Gail Godwin, her brother Rebel Cole, and her beloved nephew Justin Cole.

A prominent attorney who served in leadership positions for many organizations, Franchelle was a caring advocate who volunteered countless hours to help build a better future for the elderly and those with special needs.

Franchelle was born in Anderson, South Carolina and grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, where she attended Saint Genevieve of the Pines Academy. She moved to Columbia to attend the University of South Carolina, from which she received her BA and JD degrees. She was a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA). She was among the first group of attorneys nationally to earn that distinction and one of only a few in the entire state of South Carolina. She returned to the University of South Carolina School of Law to develop and teach their first class on elder law.

Franchelle practiced law in Columbia for 46 years. She began her career in real estate but over time found that the elderly and those with special needs were being underserved by the legal community. Wanting to help these individuals and families, she shifted her focus to elder law and spent the rest of her life serving her clients and helping to build up organizations which supported and educated thousands of other attorneys in the practice of elder law. She spoke about her specialty at churches, on radio stations, and anywhere else there was a need

Franchelle was a long-time member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). She served on its National Board of Directors from 2009-2013 and was selected as a Fellow in 2012. She was one of the charter members of NAELA’s Council of Advanced Practitioners and served as its President in 2014. She was a charter member of The South Carolina Chapter of NAELA and the Academy of Special Needs Planners. She was elected as a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel in 2008. She was a member of the Special Needs Alliance from 2013. She was the principal author and editor of A Practical Guide to Elder and Special Needs Law in South Carolina, which is the primary guide to practicing elder law in the state.

Franchelle is survived by her beloved son, Cam Millender and his wife, Michelle, of Columbia; and by her adored grandson, Matthew. She is also loved and remembered by her daughter-in-law, Sam Millender. Her beloved son, Trey Millender, sadly preceded her in 2021. Her legacy will be carried on as her law partners Mr. Andy Atkins, whom she mentored and supported for over 20 years, and Mrs. Sarah Garland St. Onge take over her firm. She was deeply grateful for their contributions to the firm during her lifetime.

A scholarship is being established at the University of South Carolina School of Law as the Franchelle Millender Memorial Elder Law Scholarship. If you would like to give and in lieu of flowers, please call the University at 803-777-1093 or 803-777-7207 or email [email protected]

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Franchelle's life will be held on Saturday, November, 4, 2023 at 11:00 at Church of the Apostles, 1520 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. A reception will follow the service at the church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Millender family.