Delores Lott McMillin

Born in Laurel, Mississippi, in 1946, Delores was the daughter of T.D. and Louise Lott. Her family later moved to Natchez, where she graduated from Natchez-Adams High School in 1965. She briefly attended Mississippi State University, but her plans changed when she eloped with her high school sweetheart, Malcolm McMillin, in September 1965, while he was between tours in Vietnam.

Delores and Malcolm returned to Natchez in 1966 and soon began their family. In 1969, they moved to Jackson before finally settling in Clinton, Mississippi, to raise their children.

They were blessed with three children—Chris, Andrew, and Mollie—and shared a loving marriage for 51 years until Malcolm’s passing in 2016.

Delores worked as a legal secretary in Jackson, MS, for several years before dedicating herself entirely to her family and her career at Cal-Maine Foods. She began her tenure at Cal-Maine Foods in August 1980 as a legal secretary, quickly earning the trust and respect of her colleagues. Soon after, she was appointed to serve as the Administrative Assistant to the Founder and CEO, Mr. Fred R. Adams Jr., a role in which she wholeheartedly devoted herself. Delores remained Mr.. Adams’ dedicated assistant until her retirement in September 2021, embodying loyalty and professionalism. She loved her work at Cal-Maine Foods and was a valued and devoted employee for 41 years.

Preceded in death by her parents and her husband Malcolm, she is survived by her three children and their families: Chris and Caroline McMillin, with sons Cooper and Conner (and wife Kelsey); son Andrew of Madison and Kate McMillin of Jackson, and their children Ian and Edy; Mollie and Zach Thompson of Jackson and their children Charley and Lottie. She is also survived by her dearest friend for over 50 years Jean Reed Adams of Clinton, as well as close friends Steve and Sally Pickett of Raymond.

Delores was adored by her children and grandchildren. She cherished holiday gatherings, always eager to celebrate her growing family. Her big heart led her to buy a larger dining table—so big, in fact, that Malcolm remodeled the house to make room for it. Intelligent, wise, and witty, Delores’s most defining trait was her love. She loved her family fiercely and unconditionally, often telling her children and grandchildren she loved them “too much”—a sentiment universally understood by all who knew her. Her life was a testament to kindness, humility, and love. Her refrigerator was constantly adorned with pictures of “the children” or her “kiddles,” a symbol of her devotion.

Throughout her life, she served as a mother figure to many, always willing to listen and offer comfort and sage advice. Compassionate and selfless to the end, she never missed an opportunity to remind others of their worth. Her passions included Willie Nelson, her dachshunds Max and Oscar, anything blue—especially dishes—and helping those in need.

In her final days, her home was filled with friends who had been part of her life since elementary school in Natchez. Her spirit and gentle nature reflect the words of I Corinthians 13—a perfect reflection of her essence.

She departed this world with no words left unsaid. Her love and lessons remain a lasting legacy, making her absence profoundly felt. She brought endless joy, exemplified compassion, and radiated unconditional love, qualities that will forever inspire those she leaves behind.

In a heartfelt letter after Malcolm’s passing, Delores wrote, “Your Dad and I had a storybook life. We met when I was 15 and he was 17, and made what could have been the worst decision of our lives on a pretty Fall day in September 1965 when we eloped to Alabama. But somehow, some higher power was guiding us, and after 51 years, we looked back on a wonderful, fulfilling life that we were blessed to live. Our greatest achievement was raising you three. And your greatest gift to us was our six grandchildren. Who knows what they will become?”

Her family is deeply grateful to everyone who played a part in her care, especially the dedicated team at Jackson Oncology Associates, as well as those who tenderly cared for her during her final months. Special thanks go to Violetta (Mrs. Vi) Brewer and Latoya (Ms. Toya) Copper—angels in scrubs who offered her loving, compassionate care and comfort.

Their kindness and devotion meant the world to her—and to her family—and words cannot fully express the family's heartfelt appreciation.

Services will be held at St. Columb’s Episcopal Church in Ridgeland on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., with visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m..