Juanita McMillan, lovingly known as "Nene" to her family, was born on January 17, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, to her proud parents, Louis Johnson and Edith Campbell. On August 19, 2024, Nene peacefully departed this life at her home. Nene spent her early years in New York, where she attended Eastern District High School. Her passion for helping others led her to pursue nursing at a vocational school. During her time in New York, she worshiped at Bethel Tabernacle, where she was a dedicated member of the Usher Board and a joyful voice in the choir. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in New York.

In 1956, Nene's life was forever changed when she met the love of her life, Mathes McMillan. They united in marriage and were blessed with four children: Poletia, Mathes Jerome, James, and Alma. Together, Nene and Mathes created a lifetime of memories, traveling extensively before settling in South Carolina in 2004. There, Nene became a cherished member of Mt. Carmel AME Church, where she found spiritual guidance and formed lasting friendships.

Nene's life was marked by her love for family, her enjoyment of fishing, reading, playing bingo, and traveling. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family, as she fostered many children throughout the years, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. Her kindness, warmth, and motherly care will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

Nene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mathes McMillan; her mother, Edith Lambright; her brother, Raymond Lambright; her sisters, Marcella Taylor and Dorothy Bethea; her son, Mathes Jerome McMillan; and her granddaughters, Samyra and Shanya McBride.

She is survived by her devoted children, Poletia McMillan, James E. McMillan, and Alma McMillan; her sister, Cheryl Lewis; her brothers, Derek Lambright and Eric Lambright; her cherished grandchildren, Troy King, Brijhai McMillan, James E. McMillan II, Jeremy M. McMillan, Sinceré McMillan, and Charnelle McMillan; great-grandchildren, Michaela McMillan, Jameson McMillan and Kayomi King; her loving nephew, Wilbur Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will continue to carry her memory in their hearts.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Barbara Flynn, Jannie Gethers, Joyce Tew, Rev. Albert and Sis. Carolyn Jones, Cathy Cooper, Yvonne Nelson, and Shannon Thomas for their love and support.

Nene's legacy of love, compassion, and strength will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A memorial service will be held Friday, August 30, 2024, 12:00 p.m., at Mt. Carmel AME Church, 1059 Old Black Oak Road, Moncks Corner, SC.

The service will be live streamed on Mt. Carmel's Facebook and YouTube pages.

We kindly ask that you keep her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.