Mrs. Francine D. McMillan

Mrs. Francine McMillan, a beloved mother, grandmother, Nana, Aunt and friend, transitioned home quietly and peacefully on Saturday, October 1, 2022. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Francine affectionately known as "Frankie" was the daughter of the late Thomas and Lucy Mae Davis. As a young child, she was educated at Saxon School of Ward One, and completed her education with the public school system in New York City. In New York, Francine worked as a model, sat for oil paintings and worked as a ceramic artist. She returned to Columbia with her two daughters in 1969. She was employed at Fort Jackson for several years prior to her employment with the Department of Mental Health. In November of 1972, Francine created the Buffette Models as a way to enhance the youth for tomorrow. Modeling technics were taught as well as poise, and etiquette. She encouraged self-confidence and acceptance of body image. She later opened her beauty salon where she continued to teach modeling and also launched her cosmetic line, FranArLu. Upon returning to Columbia, Francine joined Jones Memorial AMEZ Church and later joined Bethel AME Church. At Bethel, she served as the President of the Trustees Helpers, President of the Stewardess Board, supported the Young People's Division and the Liturgical Dance Ministry. She held a true passion for her service to God and her church family. However, after many years of service, she moved to College Place UMC Church. During her time at Bethel, she met and married her beloved husband, Eugene R. McMillan. In the late 1970s, she became actively involved with VFW Post 4262, and American Legion Post 215. Francine was elected as Auxiliary President for several terms and served as Auxiliary District Representative. She was devoted to activities for the veterans, community outreach for the youth and increasing awareness and membership, as well as recruiting for Palmetto Girls State. Francine was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Lucy Buffalo-Brown and her beloved husband, Eugene McMillan. Leaving to cherish her memories are her daughter, Arlene Buffalo-Jackson; five grandchildren, Sam A. Jackson, of Columbia, South Carolina, Tyger Brown, of Jacksonville, Florida, Sebastian Brown, of Columbia, South Carolina, France Jackson, Portland, Oregon, and Samone (Steven) Stokes, of Columbia, South Carolina; seven great-grandchildren, A'Miya Jackson, Sebastian Brown, Jr., Joshua White, and Sevyn Stokes of Columbia, South Carolina and Jaxon, Brooklyn, and Harlem Brown of Jacksonville, Florida; a devoted special friend, John Washington; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and caring friends, who will miss her dearly. The McMillan family acknowledges with grateful appreciation, all of your kind expressions of love and sympathy. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Grace Christian Church, 5010 Monticello Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29203. Dr. Aaron Bishop, Pastor, Reverend Schrendria Robinson, Presiding, Reverend Ertha Bowman, Eulogist. Interment to follow in Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. Public viewing will be from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 7, 2022 at A. A. Dicks Funeral Home Sullivan Chapel. Please leave Mrs. Francine McMillan family your condolences and prayers. Like our Facebook page: A. A. Dicks Funeral Home - Sullivan Chapel Add our Facebook Friend Page and leave a comment: A. A. Dicks FH Thank you for helping us serve our families: A. A. Dicks, Sr. and staff

Mrs. Francine D. McMillan

December 14, 1935 - October 1, 2022