Mary Manley Millman

1928–2023

Mary Millman passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, June 22, 2023,

at Bethany House in Auburn, Alabama. She was 94 years old.

Mary was born to Claude and Esther Manley on November 7, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan.

She was the third of four children to grow up in the family home on Strathmoor

Street during the Great Depression. Upon graduating high school Mary enrolled at

the University of Michigan. It was at UM where she met her future husband, Richard

"Dick" Millman. Mary and Dick were married in June 1950. In June 2020, shortly

before Dick's passing, the couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Mary received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of

Michigan, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She went on to complete two

Master's degrees: a Master of Arts in Education from Eastern Michigan University,

and a Master of Arts from New York University. She continued her studies at

University of Georgia where she earned the degree of Doctor of Education.

Her career as an educator began in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she taught elementary

school. In 1968, after several years in Athens, Ohio, the family moved to Auburn, Alabama,

where Mary joined the Auburn University Department of Foreign Languages.

As a professor of French, Dr. Millman had a reputation as a challenging instructor.

She had high expectations, not only of her students, but of herself as well. Many

considered her demanding, though understood that Dr. Millman's ultimate goal

was her students' success. Her passion for excellence was greatly admired.

In 1994 she retired from Auburn University as an Associate Professor Emerita of

French. Upon retirement she remained active. She took courses offered by the Osher

Lifelong Learning Institute. She served her community as a volunteer and was an active

member of many local organizations, including the Lee County Literacy Coalition,

the Lee County Democratic Club, The League of Women Voters of East Alabama,

and the Presbyterian Community Ministry of which she was a board member.

Mary had a fiercely independent spirit that was often remarked upon by those who met her.

Her strength of character inspired those who knew her. She was blessed to have so many

cherished friends and loving family members. She was loved, and she will be missed.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Millman, her sister, Barbara

Yoder, and her brothers, Robert Manley, and Malcom Manley. She is survived

by her son, John Millman, of Memphis, TN; her daughter, Ruth Cope (Randy), of

Auburn, AL; four grandchildren; Rachel Cope (Elijah), Jonni Tubbs (Cody), and

Ainsley and Savannah Beville; and her great-granddaughter, Lily Brown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Presbyterian

Community Ministry of Auburn (https://pcm-al.org/).

We would like to express our immense gratitude to the compassionate staff

members and caregivers at Camellia Place and at Bethany House. Thank you.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held at a later date.