Frances "Fran" Bellamy McMillan

Frances “Fran” McMillan went to be with her Lord on February 2, 2021. She was born in Wilmington, NC and grew up spending the summers exploring Wrightsville Beach with her siblings and cousins. Fran was a graduate of New Hanover High School and East Carolina University. She married her high school sweetheart, Samuel Duncan McMillan, Jr. and taught in the North Carolina Public Schools in numerous cities for over 25 years. Fran served her communities in many capacities including Girl Scout Leader, choir member, PTA member, and other volunteer positions. She was an active member of Edenton Street United Methodist Church, participating in many of its ministries and the Foundry Class.

In her work and life, Fran led a life worthy of emulation. She was a devoted wife to her husband Sam and a willing and perfect partner to him in his calling as a United Methodist pastor. They were a dream team and blessed many congregations through the years. Fran was a loving and nurturing mother to her children when they were younger and as they grew into adults and became parents themselves, she continued to inspire them with her devotion to God, the church, her family, friends, and those in need. Her six grandchildren brought her much joy and pride, and they loved her as much as she loved them. Fran was the most faithful and loving of friends, always calling, texting, and sending cards. Her kindness, humility, hospitality, and generosity were unparalleled. Her door was always open to all, and her caring for others was genuine.

Fran and Sam loved hosting Christian tours across the world, traveling to places like the Holy Land, Europe, and the stops of St. Paul’s Missionary Journeys. After Sam’s death, Fran enjoyed traveling with friends. Fran spent many happy times at her beach house, “The Starting Block,” where rocking on the front porch with family and friends was one of her favorite past times. She enjoyed playing games with her family, friends, and neighbors. Fran loved Duke University, taking special joy in watching the Blue Devils play basketball and football in person and on TV.

Fran’s strength and graciousness were never more evident than over the last six and a half years. She endured numerous operations and hospitalizations with a positive attitude, grace, and determination. Fran’s family is grateful to the many doctors, nurses, and caregivers who treated her, especially Dr. Martyn Knowles, as well as to the wonderful staff and her friends at Waltonwood Lake Boone, who so lovingly cared for her.

Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Samuel Duncan McMillan, Jr.; her sons Rev. Samuel Duncan McMillan, III and David Bellamy McMillan; her parents, William Walker and Rachel Murrill Bellamy; her sister, Martha King Bellamy; and her brother William Walker Bellamy, Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth McMillan Smith (Harrison) and Sara McMillan Perkinson (Cary); her grandchildren, Cameron Walker Smith, Samuel Duncan McMillan, IV, Forrest Alexander Smith (Elizabeth), Hannah Elizabeth McMillan, Kenneth William Perkinson, and Lane Leon Perkinson; her sister-in-law Jean Parker Bellamy; her nephew Dennis Parker Bellamy; and daughter-in-law Paige Lancaster McMillan.

Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The McMillan Endowed Scholarship at Methodist University, 5400 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28311 or The Methodist Home for Children, 1041 Washington St., Raleigh, NC 27605.

“Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou exceedeth them all.” -Proverbs 31:30

Services by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.