"Genny" Millan

Celebrating an Extraordinary Life……Geneva Lois Waldron Millan (88), also affectionately known as “Genny," the 'Lucky Lady” departed peacefully from this life, and ran into the Arms of her King, on the Lord’s Day, Sunday, May 31, 2015. Genny was born in Blackshear, Georgia, on August 16, 1926, to Joseph and Bertie (Strickland) Waldron. Upon her birth, her family quickly returned home to Jacksonville, Florida, where she lived until 2007 when, for health reasons, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to be near her daughter, and her family. Her son, along with his family, had faithfully watched over her until that time. Genny attended Sugarloaf United Methodist Church and was a resident of Belmont Village Assisted Living, in Johns Creek, Georgia, until the time of her passing. Genny was preceded in death by her parents, and her two dear sisters, Jesse Waldron Sammons, and Edith Waldron Sammons, and by her beloved husband and life partner, James William “Bill” Millan. She is survived by a loving son, Steven Grant Millan, and daughter, Sandra Millan Frendt, and her devoted son-in-law Scott Joseph Frendt. She (GranGen/Guinness) is also survived by the lights of her life, four of the most amazing grandchildren one could ever be blessed with, Shay Joseph Frendt (and his wife Whitney), Sean Scott Frendt (along with his wife Rhea), Spencer Millan Frendt (the three children of Scott and Sandy) and Kylie Janaan Millan (the child of Steve and Lisa), and one precious great granddaughter, Summer Karynn Frendt (17 mos.from Shay and Whitney) who sweetly blew kisses to her to comfort her in her final hours. The depth of love given and returned was evident when every one of these surviving family members surrounded her and kept vigil until she was safely home with Jesus. She also leaves behind three nieces (Nina Sammons Briggs (Greg), Janet Sammons Kemmerer (Keith and their three children-Kelci, Jesse, and Karson), and Shellie Sammons Scruggs (Scott), all of whom she dearly loved.Anyone who knew Genny will tell you that she embraced life to the fullest. She graduated from Andrew Jackson High School (Class of 1944) and soon met the love of her life, Bill. They wed on May 15, 1948, and were not only partners in life, but also in business. Genny was a trailblazer in every way. Although she was only 4’9” short, she was a tiny firecracker with a huge personality. She was a true “people person," and an animated storyteller, who was never afraid to break the mold. She was blessed with great health, a fertile mind, a zest for life, and a thirst for adventure. She was truly one with mother nature and often said it was where she felt closest to God. Genny was the consummate business woman. She began her career as a steno typist, and then became an Executive Secretary, and later the President of the Insurance Woman’s Association. In1959, she, along with her husband Bill, founded Millan Builders, Incorporated. Although neither of them had a formal college education, they studied and trained in various business schools and, as a result of their mutual grit, became highly respected custom home builders in and around Jacksonville. Bill, a firefighter when they first married, became a General Contractor and Genny was honored to become the very first female General Contractor licensed in the state of Florida. They were joined in business by their daughter, Sandy, an Interior Designer and Real Estate Agent, and their son, Steve, also a General Contractor as well as an exquisite trim carpenter. Genny personally designed and drafted all of the homes they built. They succeeded together as a family until the time of Bill’s passing in 1992. Prior to that time they had subdivided and developed two thriving sub-divisions, Colony Cove and Harbour Woods. Genny, along with Steve, continued building homes until her health declined at the age of 80.Whether on the construction job site, on the ocean, or in the woods, Miss Genny always kept all of “the fellas” in line. There was never any question where anyone stood with the “Little General”.The Lucky Lady, was an avid outdoors(wo)man, who loved deep sea fishing and big game hunting. These were true passions, not just occasional hobbies, and her husband and partner in crime, was right beside her every step of the way. He named their first boat the “Genny Too” because he knew it was sure to be as much of an ordeal as his fun loving bride always was. Although she suffered from sea sickness, she loved fishing so much she would just continue cutting bait, rigging her lines, and out-fishing everyone on the boat. Whether decked out in camouflage on a hunt, or marlin belt on a boat, you could expect her to be dressed to the nines, and looking as if the “hair and make-up” teams were following her around.After Bill’s passing, Genny continued hunting, and climbing tree stands with her satchel on her back and a rifle slung over her tiny shoulder, until the age of 80 years young. That happened to be the same year that she bought herself a Polaris Ranger so that she could use the wench to harvest the huge bucks she often gathered on her hunts. She was also an absolute gourmet cook so all that she harvested turned into a fabulous feast. She fed the masses over the years and loved every minute of it. As her beloved grandchildren like to say, “She was not your run-of-the-mill grandmother”. Her children adored her, as she did them, and they would agree with that statement whole-heartedly. Life with the “Lucky Lady” was a life filled to overflowing with love, infectious laughter, more than a little mischief, and a whole lot of fire. Miss Genny was a rare gem and the perfect blend of sass and class. She, and her fiery spirit, will always be remembered fondly and with great love.Genny was surrounded by countless compassionate and dedicated caregivers at Belmont Village Assisted Living, the beautiful place that she called home for the last eight years as Alzheimer’s Disease tried unsuccessfully to strip away at her admirable spirit and unique charm. The family will be forever grateful to each and every one of the Angels on staff there that loved her and cared for her their like she was their own flesh and blood. They laughed with her, cried with her, prayed with her, danced with her, and brought great joy to her every day. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Jan Boatright, the Outstanding Director of Belmont Village, and to Eunice Williams, Genny’s long time devoted private caregiver and Guardian Angel. These caregivers are no longer just friends to us, they are a precious part of our family. We extend our thanks and appreciation also for the compassionate care delivered by Tapestry Hospice.Funeral arrangements are being handled by Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, 32211. A Celebration of Genny’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at 3:00PM in the Chapel at Evergreen Cemetery, located at 4535 Main Street, Jacksonville, Florida, 32206. The family will gather in the Chapel, one hour prior, for a private visitation. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved Bill immediately following the service.Genny always loved green apples and salted peanuts and often reminded us to throw some in “before we closed the lid”. Consider it done sweet lady. Get ready, Heaven, the tiny firecracker has arrived! We trust that, once again, her job is to use her bright light to stir up everything, and everyone, while making sure all of “the fellas” are in line and everyone around her is eating “high on the hog”.…and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.