Barbara F. McMillan

Barbara “Bobbie” Fullilove McMillan found eternal peace as she passed away in her sleep on March 12, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, 12 days shy of her 84th birthday. She was born March 24, 1938, as the youngest of six children, to parents Mary Shirley Barbin Fullilove and Jacob Foster Fullilove.

Barbara grew up in Houston, Texas and attended Lamar High School. She married Thad Calhoun McMillan at the age of 17, and as an Army officer’s wife, she traveled the world! From the home base of Houston to Puerto Rico, Panama, Japan, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, she was never afraid to conquer a new city. As a mother of four Army brats, Barbara wore many hats – including cub scout den mother, aerobics instructor, German antique seller, expert pecan pie baker, and international pet smuggler, when she attempted (unsuccessfully) to stow away a hamster for son Robert on a flight from Houston to Saudi Arabia. In adulthood, she became an avid tennis player and enjoyed her women’s league matches. She loved to entertain and throw a good party, hosting many in her heyday. After the death of her husband in 1982, Barbara settled in Sugarland and became a very successful real estate agent, until her retirement in the early 2000s. After retiring she met Robert Doak, and together they continued her love of travel and saw many sights in the United States until his passing in 2010. In 2012, she moved to Tyler to be closer to her daughter. She had an evolving love of animals – swapping an obsession for elephants to monkeys in her later years, always keen to buy a plush primate stuffed toy for anyone looking for something to snuggle. She loved being with family, finding unique shapes in clouds, and going “down the road” to the casino. Barbara will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, “Granny” and a feisty player of bridge and board games.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and siblings. Survivors include son, Thad McMillan Jr. (wife Vicki, children Mary Ann and Bryant) of Austin; son, Mark McMillan (wife Karen and son Cal) of Argyle; daughter, Gwen Jackson (husband Gary and children Megan and Matthew) of Tyler; son, Robert McMillan (wife Mendy and son Alistair) of Argyle; along with many nieces, nephews, other extended family, and her 16-year-old chihuahua Itsy, who may outlive us all.

A gathering for Barbara will be held Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079. A funeral service will occur Sunday, March 20, 2022 starting at 11:00 AM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079 with a committal service to follow.

Contributions in Barbara's memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County, https://alzalliance.org/; or Hospice of East Texas, https://www.hospiceofeasttexas.org/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the McMillan family.