Rebecca Manuel Millar

Rebecca Ann Manuel Millar, known lovingly as "Becky," passed peacefully on February 17, 2025, just shy of her 94th birthday. Born in Frederick on February 20, 1931, she was the daughter of Frances Nixon Manuel and Ralph Walter Manuel. The family later moved to Brunswick, where she graduated high school before attending Frostburg State College (FSC), earning both her BS and MS in Education.

Becky met her future husband, John Decker Millar, in an FSC math class-an instant connection that led to nearly 70 years of marriage. Though John passed in 2022, Becky kept him close, speaking to his portrait daily and keeping his ashes by her bed. On Valentine's Day 2025, she slipped from consciousness while awaiting a promised champagne toast with him. Today, their ashes comingle in a double urn gifted by dear friends.

Becky devoted her life to children and education, beginning as a teacher and later serving as Principal and Supervisor of Elementary Education in Allegany County. She was known for her fierce advocacy, notably founding the Summer Lunch Box program, which grew into a nonprofit delivering over 16,000 meals annually.

She held leadership roles at Emmanuel Episcopal Church and helped craft kneelers for the sanctuary. Today, the grounds feature a children's garden in memory of her and John. Becky also played key roles in Cumberland's Canal Boat and Heritage Days festivals, and was honored with numerous awards for her service, including the inaugural Maryland State Golden Apple Award and being named Grand Marshal of the 2018 South Cumberland Halloween parade.

Later in life, Becky moved to Atascocita, TX to be near her son William, embracing daily visits, poolside meals, and music-filled picnics with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love of music-from Judy Collins to karaoke-filled her final year with joy and laughter. She embraced Texas life fully, often saying: "I wasn't born in Texas-but I got here as fast as I could."

She is deeply missed by her family: her son William, his wife Sherry, his children and grandchildren; another son John and wife Ann; stepsons; extended family; and many dear friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 26 at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Cumberland, followed by a reception at the Cumberland Country Club at 12:45 PM. Becky requests guests wear bright colors-not black-as the event is a celebration.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Summer Lunch Box Outreach

924 Bedford Street

Cumberland, MD 21502