Mary Louise McMillan

and friend passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Saturday morning, May 19, 2018, at the grand age of 90.

It was then that she took the greatest journey that any of us who know the Lord will ever take when she went to be with God and those gone before her. Mary Lou, also known as “Mom” and “Mimi” was the most honorable & loving matriarch any small family could have, and her absence will leave a gaping chasm that only time can fill. Mom was without a doubt “The Rock” of our family.

Mom was hardly sick a day in her life until she was diagnosed with leukemia/lymphoma last July. She endured all the treatments and transfusions like a champ and did well for a time, but over the past couple of months, it was clear she was losing her fight. She was ready to go weeks ago but hung in there a little longer for the birth of her third great-grandchild, Samuel Louis Lear, who was born on Tuesday, May 15th, and Mom finally got to meet and hold him on Thursday, May 17th. After that, it became obvious that she was preparing to leave this world, and two days later she did.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Lewis Clay McMillan

and son Philip H. McMillan; parents Walter & Mariea Holmquist, and brothers James P. Holmquist, Gordon W. Holmquist, and his wife, Frances.

She is survived by her only remaining son, Mark Lewis McMillan and his wife, daughter-in-law Carol Schultz McMillan; her granddaughters Abigail C. McMillan and Mary Carol Lear & husband Todd C. Lear and her great-grandchildren Gabriel, Elijah and Samuel Lear, as well as her dear sister-in-law Martha J. McMillan. Special appreciation goes to the great caregivers from Home Instead, especially Yolanda Wren who became like a loving member of our family during the past year.

Mary Lou was born in Birmingham and grew up in a warm home in Homewood built by her father that still stands today. She graduated from Shades Valley High School and the University of Montevallo. After graduation, she worked as an executive secretary at Southern Services. Later she and her husband Lewis McMillan, who were married in 1961, together founded Automatic Ice & Beverage, Inc. (AIB) in 1966, a Birmingham based distributor of commercial ice making, beverage dispensing and refrigeration equipment. Fifty-two years later AIB still thrives, headed by son Mark McMillan and loyal staff, most of whom have been like family for decades.

In later years she enjoyed taking care of flowers in her greenhouse, relaxing at the lake, cooking, and spending quality time with her beloved family. Mary Lou was a long-time member of Shades Crest Baptist Church in Bluff Park since she and Lewis were married there nearly 60 years ago.

A joyful “Celebration of Life” memorial service for Mary Louise will be held on Sunday afternoon, June 10th at 3 PM at Ridout's Elmwood Chapel in Birmingham, and all friends and associates are invited to attend. Services will begin promptly at 3 PM, followed by visitation with refreshments & hors d’oeuvres afterward.