Born in Greenville, TX to Jesse “Jack” Collier and Marion Hampton Collier. She grew up in Newton, TX and graduated from Newton High School in 1959. Following high school, Jean moved to Beaumont, TX and went to work for Southwestern Bell (later AT&T) where she worked for 30+ years. While working at Southwestern Bell, Jean befriended a lady who pestered her into going on a date with her son. To appease her co-worker, Jean agreed to a Sunday drive where she met the love of her life. Jean married James W. McMillan on May 16, 1963. Jean and James raised two boys – James E. McMillan and Jarrod McMillan – in Beaumont before retiring to Silsbee, TX. Jean enjoyed a long and healthy retirement that allowed her to travel, relax at the lake, enjoy her grandchildren, and spend IRA’s money.
Jean’s favorite pastime was shopping and antiquing. She took numerous shopping trips with her longtime friend Doris Huff and enjoyed searching for pottery in Roundtop with James and their friends Bob and Clydine Pate. Then she found Amazon! Jean had an innate ability to find the perfect gift for every occasion – thoughtful and unique for each recipient.
Jean was a smart and beautiful lady who cherished life. She was kind, generous, loving, and protective of her family. She could also be a little stubborn and was not afraid to express her opinions, take up for herself, and get “feisty” when needed. Jean was a strong woman and was a great role model for her children and grandchildren. Jean was the best wife, mother, mother-in-law, and Mama Jean that she could be.
Jean was preceded in death by: Jesse “Jack” Collier (father), Marion Collier (mother), Frank Collier (brother), Betty Collier (sister-in-law), Glenda Scott (sister), Mandy Carter (niece), James Coy McMillan (father-in-law) and Clyda McMillan (mother-in-law and matchmaker).
Jean will be missed by her husband James W. McMillan; children James E. McMillan (Tammy), Jarrod McMillan (Angie); grandchildren Cecily McMillan, James William McMillan, Tate McMillan, Grayson McMillan, and Ella McMillan; brother Doug Collier (Marian); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
There will be a graveside ceremony for family and friends on June 9, 2023 at 12:00 PM, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, located at 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, Texas 77703.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnmpfh.com for the McMillan family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17