Dr. Arthenia Millican
Dr. Arthenia Jackson Bates Millican, noted author, poet, educator, member of Saint Jude Catholic Church, and 70-year member of Delta Sigma Theta, passed away Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, in Sumter. She was a daughter of the late Calvin S. Sr. and Susan Emma David Jackson.
Dr. Millican was born in 1920 in Sumter and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1937. She received her bachelor of arts degree from Morris College in 1941; master of arts degree from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta in 1948; and her doctor of philosophy from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La., in 1972.
Both in her writing and lifestyle, Dr. Millican embraced everyone, regardless of academic standing, social status or religious preference.
Dr. Millican is survived by a son, Willie Louis Lee (Ruby) of Clinton, Md.; a sister, Catherine Alia (Alden) of Chicago, Ill.; a brother, Edward G. Jackson (Margaret) of Washington, D.C.; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a niece and caregiver, Doris J. Dupree (Willie) of Sumter; a host of other nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Calvin Jackson, Graydon Jackson and Leon Jackson; and two sisters, Victoria Jackson Barr Brunson and Susan E. Jones.
The public may view from 1 to 6 p.m. today at Palmer Memorial Chapel, 304 S. Main St, Sumter.
A Delta Sigma Theta Omega, Omega Service will be held at 6 p.m. today at Palmer Memorial Chapel.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Saint Jude Catholic Church, 611 W. Oakland Ave., with Father Charles Donovan officiating. Interment will follow in Walker Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the residence of Doris and Willie Dupree, 224 Wildwood Ave., Sumter, SC 29154 prior to the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, the family offers the option of donating to the AJBM Literary Foundation in her honor.
Please send donations to AJBM Literary Foundation, P.O. Box 723, Sumter, SC 29151.
Online memorials may be sent to www.palmermemorialchapel.com.
Palmer Memorial Chapel of Sumter is in charge of the professional arrangements.