Cornelia Howell McMillan

Raleigh – Cornelia Howell McMillan, 69, died at home on January 11, 2024, with her family and dear friends at her side. She was born in Raleigh on July 16, 1954, the second of three children of the late Murray Short Howell and Kate McKimmon Howell.

Cornelia graduated from Broughton High School and continued her education at St. Mary’s Junior College and North Carolina State University.

Her instinctive embrace of progressive ideas led her to volunteer for Harvey Gantt’s US Senate campaign, sparking in her a passion for political engagement. For many years she worked as a legislative assistant in the N.C. House of Representatives, and later as an assistant to Beverly Perdue when she was Lieutenant Governor and Governor.

Cornelia was active in the PTAs at her children’s schools and enjoyed volunteering as a literacy tutor for students at Wiley Elementary. She served on the boards of Arts Together and Triangle Family Services, in addition to many other causes she championed.

She loved traveling the world, being at the beach and entertaining friends in her Forest Park home. Many neighbors recall Cornelia’s warm welcome when they moved into the neighborhood. She had a special place in her heart for her pets and loved all animals.

Surviving are her husband of 43 years, Duncan A. McMillan, and two cherished children, Catherine Campbell McMillan and Evan Norris McMillan, both of Raleigh. She is also survived by her brother, Murray Short Howell of Swansboro, N.C. and her sister, Adelaide Howell Stallings (David) of Raleigh.

The family gives special thanks to Yvonne Smith, who provided loving care to Cornelia over the last two years.

A service of love and remembrance at Christ Church, 120 East Edenton Street was held on Thursday, January 18th, at 2:00 pm. The family greeted family and friends in the Parish Hall after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a contribution be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5171 Glenwood Avenue, #101, Raleigh, NC, 27612, or www.alz.org.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh.