Lorraine Dolan Mcmillin
MEMPHIS - Lorraine Dolan Mcmillin (May 30, 1926) died peacefully after a brief illness on Feb. 15, 2021, at her Forest Lakes home in Raleigh. She was 94 and predeceased by her husband, JD. An avid dancer for many years, especially at Raleigh Senior Center, Lorraine’s spirit will forever fox trot in the memories of those she loved, encouraged and delighted.
She leaves behind three children who were dedicated to her care for several years -- sons Chester Mcmillin (Judy) and Richard Mcmillin and daughter Linda Onsby; a surviving sister, Nadine Adkins; a devoted caregiver, Jennifer Crowder; four grandchildren -- Zack Mcmillin (Aimee), Jill Woods (Matt), Justin Onsby (Ashley) and Jennifer Cobb (Sam); and, nine great-grandchildren.
Born Annie Dolan to Raymond Earl and Cordia Dolan in Drummonds, she fondly recalled growing up “in the country” with siblings Nadine, the late John Dolan (Alice) and the late Joyce Clinger (Bill). She often told of riding a horse to grammar school (it returned to the farm on its own). Her love for dancing began when older kids gave her coins to do the Charleston. She played forward in 6-on-6 basketball for Munford HS.
After marrying fellow Munford graduate JD, she lived in military housing in San Francisco in WW II. The GI Bill later led to married student housing at Memphis State.
JD’S career at Firestone brought a 2-year stay in New Zealand -- Lorraine left with 2 sons (Chester and the late Larry Mcmillin) and returned to Memphis with a 3rd (Richard). Daughter Linda arrived a few years later at their house in Frayser. Lorraine supported JD’S ventures, including his own firm, Mcmillin Import Co.
Lorraine and JD gave their children and grandchildren all the love and resources they could offer. Her grandchildren recall she called Raleigh home Grand Central Station -- their friends were always welcome.
Lorraine cherished traveling the country and world with JD, often on bus tours. On her last journey from Memphis, for a granddaughter’s wedding in Austin, TX, Grandmother relished the joyous occasion as beloved matriarch of the family.
She will be greatly missed and remembered fondly. She showed what it means to be kind and patient unconditionally.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to National Alliance for the Mentally Ill: Nami-memphis.org. A family service will be at Munford Funeral Home chapel -- masks and distancing will be enforced.