Billie Jean Millard

1943 - 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Billie Jean Millard, 83 of Wilmington, North Carolina on March 24, 2026.

She was born January 5th, 1943 to late Ralph Livingston Riggs and Louise Parker Riggs. Billie Jean is survived by her devoted loving husband David King Millard.

She married her soulmate on February 3, 1962. Together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, joy and unwavering companionship. David often referred to her as his Peach, a reflection of the deep love they found in one another. They enjoyed sharing life’s many adventures side by side, some of their happiest memories were going camping and traveling all 50 states and multiple countries.

She was a loving and dedicated mother to her daughters, Mandy Millard and Sheila Cottle (Chris), and she was the proud “MawMaw” to her grandchildren Whitney Murray (fiancé Dustin), David “Wayne” Murray, Taylor Cottle (fiancée Harlie) and McKenzie Cottle. Great grandchildren, Mariah Harker and Jacob Sutton, who all brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her brother Teddy Livingston Riggs (Carolyn), Ann Millard (Thomas) and Laurel Millard (William) many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Preceding her in death were Her Parents, Sister Ann Riggs Ill, Brother and Sisters-in-Law William Fillmore Millard Sr. (Bobette), Junius Hayward Millard Sr. (Berneice), Luther Richard Millard Sr. (Phyllis), Thomas Omega Millard Sr. (Gloria) Mother-in-Law Lucille Millard, and Nephew Victor Terrell Millard.

Billie Jean graduated from New Hanover High School in 1961. After graduating she worked at James Walker Memorial Hospital. She began her professional career in banking. She went to further her education attending The School of Banking at The University Of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She retired after 30 years as Assistant Vice President at United Carolina Bank.

After an early retirement, she began a successful 10 year career journey at Prudential Carolinas Reality as a Broker/Realtor. A dedicated member of her community, Billie Jean served in many offices with the Exchange Club of Lower Cape Fear and gave generously of her time as a chairperson with Make-A-Wish Foundation. Served on the Azalea Festival committee, PTA treasurer, She served as Sunday School teacher at St. Andrews On-the-Sound Episcopal Church where the couple was united in marriage. Billie Jean lived a full and vibrant life, she loved spending time with her family and formed long lasting friendships. She also cherished her cat Lucy Lou who was her constant companion. She enjoyed many hobbies and passions such as cooking and trying new recipes, gardening, celebrating and decorating for every holiday and found joy in sewing, playing bridge, and attending luncheons with friends.

She was the most loving, caring, compassionate sweet spirited woman who always wanted to help her family, friends and the community she grew up in.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The River at Wrightsville Ave. Church of God at 2132 Wrightsville Ave Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 on Monday, March 30th, 2026, at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Carolina Christian Radio at carolinachristianradio.com in Memory of Billie Jean.