Mary Millikin

Mary Elizabeth Gamble Millikin February 27, 1914 - December 29, 2015 FORT MILL - Mary was born on a snowy day, February 27, 1914 to Jane Blanche Griffin Gamble and James Madison Gamble in York County, South Carolina. Mary's father had to travel by horseback in a record amount of snow of over 16 inches to get the doctor. She was preceded in death by three half brothers, Oscar Gamble, John Gamble, and Fitzhugh Lee Gamble. She was born the second of three sisters: Pansy Smith, Alice Hines Warren, and Blanche Bryant who also predeceased her. Most of Mary's youth was spent in the Fort Mill Community where she attended Fort Mill Schools and Winthrop Training School. Chosen Miss Fort Mill in 1932, Mary was an excellent student and an accomplished pianist and violinist. She was offered a scholarship to Queens College in Charlotte based on her academics and skills as a violist. Mary moved to Charlotte where she met her future husband, Everett Duvall Millikin, and they were married on March 27, 1936. During World War II she served her country by working at the Quarter Master in Charlotte while her husband served in the Navy Sea Bees. Mary walked closely with God. She loved people, animals and music. Taking care of her family and friends was her primary joy in life. She left behind a legacy of love and caring. As a leader in the community, Mary served in many capacities including choir director at Kilgo United Methodist Church, MYF leader, PTA president, Girl Scout leader and Family Life Coordinator at First United Methodist Church. Following Everett's retirement, they moved to Fort Mill, SC where they joined Saint John United Methodist. After Everett's death she joined Unity Presbyterian Church, the church of her childhood. Mary is survived by her daughter, Sandra Millikin Moore, and her husband, Luther Moore of Charlotte. Her grandchildren are Mary Elizabeth McAuley of the Philadelphia area and David Biggers, Jennifer Biggers and great-granddaughter Makayla Biggers. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please consider Unity Presbyterian Church in Fort Mill, 303 Tom Hall Street, 29715 or Best Friends Animal Society (www.bestfriends.org). A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday at Unity Presbyterian Church in Fort Mill, SC. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Interment will be private. Dear Mother, Grandmommy, and GG: We love you forever and always! Your family. Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral Director Licensee 704-641-7606.