of Greenbrier, AR
March 12, 1926 - May 30, 2018
Wanda Oneida Wilcox Milam of Greenbrier went home to her Lord on Wednesday, May 30, 2018. She has touched the lives of all who knew and loved her and has left a legacy of love that will comfort them. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Terry (Sandie) Milam; grandchildren '''' Todd (Shannon) Milam and their children Claire, Lainey, and Jackson Milam; Tori (Ty) Miller and their children Miles and Avery Miller. She is also survived by her sister, Jewel (Gene) Loveless; sisters in-law Mary Joyce Wilcox and Rose Mary Wilcox Ulry; adopted granddaughter Susan (Mark) Freedle and their sons Luke, Sam, and Zach Freedle; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, J M ''Son'' Milam; brothers Jimmy Wilcox, Freddie Wilcox, and infant brother, George Wiley Wilcox; sister '''' Joy Wilcox.
She was born March 12, 1926 in Springhill to the late Fred and Velma (Roberts) Wilcox. Oneida married J M ''Son'' Milam in July of 1944 and became a military wife. She lived in Las Vegas, Nevada working at the air base while Son was flying missions in the South Pacific. They were married for more than 50 years.
In her younger years, Oneida was a member of Springhill Baptist, then a 50-year member of Antioch Baptist Church, and back to Springhill in her later years. During her 50 years at Antioch Baptist, she taught Sunday School in all departments and was very active in the GA's. When she was 79 years old, she realized her life-long dream of building a new house in Springhill in 2004. When she moved into her new house, she also rejoined Springhill Baptist Church where she taught the Ruth Naomi class for several years. She was truly happy to be back to her roots.
At the age of 15 she started working part time at J C Penney and after graduation from Greenbrier, she worked full time while going to college '''' she worked at JC Penney for 23 years. She was a graduate of ASTC (UCA) with a Bachelor's of Science in home economics in 1963 and a Master's of Science in counseling in 1971. After college, she then worked for Arkansas Rehabilitative Services on the campus of Arkansas Children's Colony (ACC) now Conway Human Development Center (CHDC) for 16 years. When Rehab closed, she worked for CHDC as a social worker for 23 years and retired at age 79 with a total of 62 years working. Oneida loved her clients and cared for them with a true servant's heart.
She enjoyed cooking for her family and many others '''' her famous coconut-pineapple cake and home-made rolls were enjoyed at many potlucks, church, and family gatherings. She also enjoyed playing dominoes, traveling, caring for grand- and great-grandchildren, sewing, and helping others.
Oneida received wonderful, compassionate care from special caregivers Crystal Barnett and staff at Seeds of Love. While there she enjoyed the everyday pleasures of eating home-cooked meals she helped prepare, planting spring flowers in the outside flower beds, and enjoying the many visits from family and friends. She often said, ''They are so good to me here.''
Because she loved helping others, in lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to Central Baptist College or Lifeword Ministries.
Visitation will be at Greenbrier Roller McNutt Funeral Home at 6 pm Saturday, June 2, 2018. Funeral will be at Springhill Baptist Church at 4 pm Sunday, June 3, 2018. Burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery.
Sign Guestbook
25 Condolence(s)
Joe & Belva Cangelosi
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Terry and Family,
Joe and I were deeply saddened to learn of Mrs. Oneida's passing. We are so sorry that we didn't know before now. We feel so fortunate to have known her. I remember so well, when we moved to Conway back in 1990, that she rented us a house to live in until we built our home. She just took us under her wing and made us feel so cared for, welcomed and loved. we enjoyed all the times she invited us over for her delicious meals she prepared with love. She made every thing so special. She even taught me how to make her signature silk pillow cases. She amazed me with her math ability. she was truly a wonderful christian lady and I know all who loved her will miss her. again Terry, we hope that you and your family can find some comfort in your many special memories and in the thought of the happy years you shared.
Bob Barham
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
A very sweet lady who will be dearly missed by many. My deepest sympathy to her family. God Bless.
Scott McCoy
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Mrs Milam was a kind and loving lady. She was my little sisters counselor at CHDC, and always made sure Penny was cared for. She will be missed by all who she touched their lives. She was a fine Christian lady and lived her religion.
Rick and Melinda Reynolds
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Terry and family, Mrs Oneida was a very sweet lady that was loved by everyone. She will be missed. You and the family will be in our prayers.
Donny & Martha McMillen
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Our condolences go out to all the family. She was a lovely lady with a great legacy.
Ms. Esther (M. Kershner-Mitchell)
Saturday, June 2, 2018
For all of you-
I have loved Oneida Milam for many, many, years...before, during, after (Children's Colony)/CHDC.
Please know, I care.
Jewel, I truly did love talking with you-and hearing your sweet voice.
My love and prayers,
Ms. Esther
Toni M. Johnson
Saturday, June 2, 2018
I also worked with Oneida for many years. What a sweet, lovely woman she was. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Linda Bettis
Friday, June 1, 2018
I was sad to read Oneida's obituary. I worked with her at Rehab for 10 years. We each taught homemaking classes to our clients in our adjoining rooms and planned many fun events together. She was a delight to work with. She taught me many things: she taught me how to can food , something I had not done before. I still think of her when I make caramel corn each fall and still use her recipe for homemade ice cream. Prayers to your family for the loss of this special lady.
Lindell and Kathy Atkinson
Friday, June 1, 2018
Ms Oneida was such a beautiful woman, inside and out. We always enjoyed visiting with her at Antioch. We pray for peace and comfort for all her family.
Jerry and Janis Robbins
Friday, June 1, 2018
Terry and families, we are sorry for your loss of your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God be with each one of you.
Sarah Head Clark Meads
Friday, June 1, 2018
What a wonderful woman Oneida was. I worked with her at CHDC for several years as another social worker. She was a true advocate for her clients. I heard so many stories of her grandchildren who she absolutely adored. Onieda was so happy to have a group of us over for a wonderful meal at her new home she had built in 2004. I sought her advice several times and she was a dear and special lady. She was very sweet to me when I lost my grandmother who was also a resident at Seeds of Love. Prayers to the family during this time. You were loved so very much by her.
Chilian family
Friday, June 1, 2018
To the family,
We are sincerely sorry for your loss. It's never easy to lose a loved one under any circumstance. Please be assured that Jehovah God is aware of your pain and he is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). The bible promises us that there will be a resurrection (John 5:28, 29) and that God will bring an end to death once and for all (Revelation 21:4). From that point on we will never have to feel the pangs of death again. We pray these words and scriptures are able to bring you some comfort.
Delores Clark
Friday, June 1, 2018
Terry, so sorry to learn of your mother's death. I know you will miss her greatly. When I think of her, I think of JCPenny! Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Sandra Ellington
Thursday, May 31, 2018
So very sorry for your loss. Ms. Milan was a wonderful person. Everyone she was around she touched. What a beautiful smile she has and I just loved her telling us stories at rehab in Greenbrier. She will be truly missed. God bless you and my he put his arms around you during this time and hold you close.
Steve and Lori Melton
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go to the Milam Family . So sorry for your loss .
leroy and Joyce Harrington
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Mrs. Oneida or Ms. O, as she was know to us, was loved and received love from her. I worked with her at CHDC for many years and she taught me so many things. She will be missed. Joyce Harrington
Lisa Buck
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Todd and Tori and family,
Your MeMe sounds like a true servant of the Lord and others. I'm glad she's at rest now.
wandacollins
Thursday, May 31, 2018
so sorry hear this praying for family she very sweet lady
Phyliss Fry
Thursday, May 31, 2018
My sincere sympathy to the family in the loss of a very special lady. She and mother were the best of friends. May you find comfort in your memories.
Laverne Gilmore
Thursday, May 31, 2018
So very very sorry to hear about Oneida. I so enjoyed working with her. She was a good friend. I will always treasure our friendship. May the Lord give peace to your family.
Dorinda Lendennie
Thursday, May 31, 2018
I worked with Oneida at CHDC for many years. She was a sweet lady.
Diana Kersey
Thursday, May 31, 2018
I met Ms. Milam thru my mother-in-law, Jerita Kersey, and grew to love her and enjoyed her visits and that famous cake! My thoughts and prayers for the family
Randy & Janet Nokes
Thursday, May 31, 2018
To Ms. Oneida's Family,
What a Blessing to have Known Ms. Oneida,Such a Godly Woman.Always Had a Kind word and a Contagious Smile.The legacy she left will be remembered for Generations.May God Comfort you in the Days Ahead.
Donna Berry
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Terry and family,
So sorry to hear about Oneida. She was a strong lady & I always admired her strength & wisdom. My prayers are with all of you during this time.
Linda Shock
Thursday, May 31, 2018
I worked with Oneida for several years at CHDC. She was always pleasant and friendly and I enjoyed her company. I know her family and friends will find comfort in the great memories they have.