Bonnie B Mcmillan

Bonnie Brinson McMillan passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on April 29, 2021, in Thomasville, GA. Born in San Diego, CA, on July 18, 1951, she was the daughter of Robert and Corinne Brinson. She was a loving wife to Tommy McMillan and they shared 46 wonderful years of marriage together.
Bonnie was the oldest of four children and grew up in Jacksonville, FL. She was a dedicated dancer, even to the professional level in her early twenties. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Jacksonville University in 1972. She met Tommy there while he was a baseball player and she was a cheerleader in 1969. They were married in 1974 before starting their fun journey traveling the country for Tommy to play baseball. They welcomed their first daughter, Amy, in 1977. They traveled for 2 more years before settling in Smyrna, GA, for 26 wonderful years. They were dedicated members of Sharon Baptist Church and she loved playing tennis with her neighbors. She worked for Southern Bell for 11 years before deciding to be a stay-at-home mom after welcoming their second daughter, Keri, in 1988, and expecting Christy in 1990. She took so much pride in being a mother and was a dedicated volunteer with many of the activities they participated in. She was especially involved with Girl Scouts, leading Troop 2448 through many adventures from Kindergarten to seniors in high school, when they traveled to Switzerland.
Bonnie and Tommy decided to move their family to Thomasville, GA in 2005, where they started their own business, McMillan Machinery Sales. Bonnie loved Thomasville and quickly became involved with many organizations, including Garden Club and the local YMCA. Bonnie and Tommy became dedicated members of Dawson Street Baptist Church. She loved her church family so much and enjoyed serving the Lord through the children’s ministry and the choir.
Bonnie will be remembered as a strong, loving, joyful, encouraging, and selfless woman. She was committed to serving the Lord and others with compassion and was always generous with her time. She had such a strong faith and encouraged so many to give their lives to Jesus. She was a true friend and was cherished by so many because she genuinely cared about others. She knew when someone needed help, even if they didn’t know it, and was the first to be by their side in good times and bad. She was the first to volunteer to help with finances, bridal showers, Bible school, and much more. Her family fondly reminisces on the times spent at their cabin on Lake Sinclair and their many travels all over the country. Family time was her top priority and she taught her family the value of caring for and loving each other and others. They will carry on many traditions, such as family meals, Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, decorating Easter eggs, and game nights. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her precious grandchildren. She was so proud of each of them and they will remember her as an amazing BeBe that was always there with arms wide open and a hug and kiss when they needed her. The love shared between her and Tommy was a shining example of selfless devotion. They were truly best friends and led each other through life with love and respect for each other. Their partnership built a family based on faith in God, kindness, adventure, and love.
She is survived by her husband, Tommy McMillan; her three daughters, Amy (Jim) Stalvey; Keri (Ben) Hopkins; Christy (Caleb) Edwards; her sister, Betty Ann (Charles) Suggs, and brothers, Randy (Pam) Brinson and Jonathan (Jacquie) Brinson; five grandchildren, Abby and Taylor Stalvey and Cate, Carroll, and Brinson Hopkins; her brothers-in-law, Ken (Liz) McMillan, and Chuck McMillan; her sister-in-law, Lindy (Steve) Cain; her beloved 13 nieces and nephew and 18 great nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Corinne Brinson.
A visitation will be held at 2pm, followed by a service at 3pm on Sunday, May 2, 2021, at Dawson Street Baptist Church in Thomasville, GA. The service will be followed by a burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The service can also be streamed live at youtube.com, search DSBC Media, and there will be a livestream video.
Bonnie was diagnosed with ALS in 2017 and was such an inspiration to all by spending her time living life to the fullest. She traveled the world, visited longtime friends around the country, and spent time with family. Donations can be made in memory of Bonnie to The ALS Association of Georgia at http://web.alsa.org/goto/shakeyourbonbon21 or to her special church, Dawson Street Baptist Church, at https://www.shelbygiving.com/app/giving/daws1025193 .