Shirley Mae McMillan

Shirley Mae McMillan, 88, of New Haven, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at home accompanied by her loving husband, after a long battle of Dementia. Born August 1, 1937, in Portsmouth, VA, Shirley was the daughter of the late Eddie and Ruth Howell. She graduated from I. C. Norcom High School and while living in VA she made a living as a cook. In her early twenties, Shirley moved up north with her husband and earned numerous degrees from South Central Community College, Gateway Community College, University of New Haven, Southern State University and Albertus Magnus College. She retired from the Southern New England Telephone company, and then ended her career at the United Illuminating CO. On April 9, 1960, Shirley married her sweetheart, Elijah McMillan, and together they raised two children, Amethus Jacqueline Taylor "MEET" and Willie James McMillan "SAM". Shirley was a loving grandmother to her grandchildren, who were her greatest joy. Shirley had a heart full of love, and she was a strong and determine woman. She was a strong advocate of education. Her life was built around her children and grandchildren. She was always there when needed, and she would go over and beyond to help others. She loved shopping, crocheting, traveling, dancing, singing and staying up on the latest celebrity gossip. Shirley loved cooking, especially family dinners where everyone gathered. She didn't let much bother her and her favorite saying was, "It is, what it is!" A woman of deep faith, Shirley was a founding member of Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church, before her sickness, she served on the usher board and she sung in the choir. She touched countless lives with her kindness, wisdom, and infectious laugh. She was also a previous member of the Elk's Lodge in New Haven, CT. Shirley is survived by her devoted husband, Elijah; son in law, Venson Taylor Sr; her grandchildren, Tehisha McCoy, Venita Freeman (Ronnie), Venson Taylor Jr, Jeffrey Taylor, and Jackie Taylor; thirteen great-grandchildren; six great great-grandchildren: her two brothers, Abert Howell and Eddie Howell; two sisters, Faith Banks and Mary Alice Redd: and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Ruth and Eddie Howell, her daughter Amethus Taylor and son Willie James McMillan; three brothers, Ernest T Howell, Robert Howell, and Walter Jackson Howell; and two sisters Delores K. Faircloth and Rosezina Howell-Whichard. Shirley's love touched each of us in a way words cannot fully express. While we will miss her dearly, we find peace knowing her spirit lives on in all of us. Forever in our hearts, she will never be forgotten.