Helen Pearl Millican

Helen Pearl Millican went to meet her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 18, 2022.  A Celebration of Life/Memorial will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 2-5pm at the VFW Post 8220 located at 144 Vivian Street, Belton, MO 64012.

She was the first-born daughter (of eight children) to her parents Dorothy Evangeline (Norris) and Rev. John William Harris on November 8, 1942 in Kansas City, KS. She was the last surviving member of her childhood family.

Helen met the love of her life, James (Jim) R. Millican, and married in 1966. Over the next 55+ years they were inseparable. Together they raised a family and enjoyed many hobbies. They traveled, gardened, camped and raised Great Danes. She especially took pride in the awards she earned with some of them. Later she loved her Min Pins, and especially the one she left behind; “Rusty is my best friend-after Jim”.

Helen loved all children, but especially her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She loved all of her many nieces and nephews; some would even refer to her as a second mom. She was a fierce advocate for them all; often putting their needs before her own. She passed down many nuggets-of-wisdom; “Don’t peel the potatoes too thick. You will waste good food”, passed down to her from her dearly beloved mother. Another was “Always put on clean underwear when leaving the house in the morning. You never know if you will get into an accident and have to go to the hospital”. Her love for children and dogs never wavered. She was often quoted as saying “if children and dogs like you, then you’re ok in my book.”

Helen had a life-long desire for learning. She was educated and certified in two different medical fields; a Certified EKG Cardiovascular Technician as well as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant. She spent the majority of her work-life serving and caring for patients in both private practice as well as local medical facilities (St. Luke’s hospital & Hunkler’s Eye Institute).

Helen loved all genres of music but was especially drawn to rock & roll and to Elvis. She often “threw back the rug” to dance with her children and grandchildren. She was blessed with a gift of self-expression through her writings. She wrote numerous poems and kept many journals throughout her life. From an excerpt published in the book, A Far-off Place, The National Library of Poetry, 1994: “My poetry was a way of capturing a special moment or event…or sometimes I am filled with so much emotion (or appreciation), that I must put my feelings in writing.” She received the Editor’s Choice Award and was recognized by the judges as being among the best 3% of all entries judged for her poem *“Changes” (shared below).

She leaves behind to cherish her memory: her husband, James R. Millican, daughter Terri (Barry) Robinette, son James (Betty) Millican II; Grandchildren Joshua Robinette, Crystal (Tony) James, Tara (Nic) Meyer, Luke (Kacee) Millican, Ethan (Jamie) Millican, Amanda (Chancellor) Willis, Basilia (Jaroyne) Salazar-Wright, Amy Pollard, Will (Mandy) Pollard, Austin Pollard; Great-grandchildren Max James, Macy James, Miller James, Trenton Antinozzi, Xavier Robinette, Chase Meyer, Carson Meyer, James Millican, Madison Millican, KeRon Robinson Jr., KeMoni Robinson, Ace Willis, Dalton Salazar, Zachary Salazar, Alex Pollard; Great-great grandchildren Emily Salazar, Xander Salazar.

She is preceded in death by her daughters, Pamela Sue (Seal) Huggins and Melissa Jane (Seal) Pollard, great grandson, Basil Pollard IV, mother Dorothy Evangeline (Norris) Harris, father Rev. John William Henry Harris, brothers: Early (Earl) Henry Harris, Charles (Chuck) Theodore Harris, Jerry Lee Harris, Johnny (Jack) LaRoy Harris, sisters: Janet Sue (Harris) Boggs, Dorothy Ann (Harris) Capps, Laura Lou (Harris) Gochenor.

“Always together in spirit” – Helen Millican

*“Changes”

Traces of sunshine glimmering bright,
falls through my window pane;
As a cast of shadows hovering high,
shows me signs of rain;
This day it is so changeable,
it goes from bright to gloom;
As I gaze now all about me,
shadows fill the room.

The sun is popping in and out,
it’s playing “peek-a-boo”;
One minute alone in my darkness,
And the next the sun shines through;
I savor it for moments,
At last, it is no more;
Very like my changing life,
That leaves my heart so sore.

My life is filled with highs and lows,
With brightness and with shade;
Things they happen oh so fast,
And will not be delayed.
-Helen Millican

Visits: 3

Condolences

  1. Crystal James on February 24, 2022 at 11:27 pm

    This is such a great tribute to grandma ??



  2. Carol Taylor on February 25, 2022 at 7:11 am

    Sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful lady.



  3. Darcy & Joe Phillips on February 25, 2022 at 8:10 am

    What beautiful words for your mom. Our hearts are with yours as you walk this loss. Hugs to you all.



  4. Cindy Evans on February 25, 2022 at 8:21 am

    Such a wonderful legacy she came from and left behind. I always thought Aunt Helen was stylish and beautiful. Fun person to be around. She definitely was there for my mom and her children as much as she could me. Even letting us stay with her when my mom passed. Actually being in the room when my mom passed. She loved her family beyond measure! I love you Aunt Helen !



  5. Kathy Kaminski on February 25, 2022 at 12:19 pm

    This is such a beautiful rememberance for your mother! She was so talented with her poetry and writing! I learned a little bit about her that I never knew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.



  6. Cindy Spear on February 25, 2022 at 2:26 pm

    What a thoughtful & loving dedication. Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and the loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Hugs and prayers go out to her family.



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