Helen Clara Mae Smith Millican September 11, 1918-July 16, 2015 Helen Millican, 96, longtime resident of Glynn County, recently of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, passed away on July 16, 2015. She was the daughter of James Harvey Smith and Georgia Mae Murphy Smith, born on September 11, 1918 in Hopewell, Virginia. Helen's father passed away due to complications of influenza during the flu epidemic of 1918 in October of that year, then she and her mother moved to her mother's parent's home in Plant City, Florida. Helen's youth was spent living in the Tampa Bay, Florida area with her mother's family. On October 1, 1942 Helen married Wesley Richard Millican, Jr., who preceded her in death on August 13, 2009. They established their first home in Atlanta, Georgia, the beginning of 67 years of marriage. In the early 1950's Helen and Wesley began operating concessions at the local amusement park and beach concessions during their summers on Jekyll Island, Georgia. In 1959, the family moved to Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia, then in 1960 moved to Jekyll Island, Georgia. Helen and Wesley founded, owned, and operated the Georgia Burger Houses on Jekyll Island and St Simons Island. Upon retirement from the restaurant business in 1995, Helen and Wesley moved to Darien, Georgia. In 2011, Helen moved to Fuquay Varina, North Carolina as a resident of Carillon Assisted Living to be near her daughter, Sharon, and her family. During her stay in Glynn County, Georgia, Helen was usually involved in the family restaurant business, but found time to volunteer for numerous outreach projects through Jekyll Island Baptist and Darien First Baptist churches. Being celebrities of the community, Helen and Wesley appeared in the 1974 movie "Conrack" that starred Jon Voight and included a scene within the family's restaurant. Their restaurant also contributed food during the local filming of the movie "Roots" in 1976. Helen will be fondly remembered for her special hugs and kisses as she was always a sweetheart to all. At Carillon she brought daily happiness and cheerfulness to other residents and staff, where she excelled at Bingo, frequently championed the local hallway bowling league, and winning the 2014 Halloween party costume award. She was always the party leader with dancing and singing. Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her grand-daughter, Shelley Rooney Turner, two half-sisters, and one half-brother. Survivors include daughters, Sandra Lee Millican Spaulding (Glenn) of Brunswick, Georgia, Sheila Raye Millican Simmons (Keith) of Brunswick, Georgia, and Sharon Wes Millican of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Surviving grandchildren on Sandra's side include Glenn Spaulding, Jr., Stori Spaulding, Staci Spaulding, Stephanie Richey, and Shawn Spaulding. Surviving grandchildren on Sheila's side include Brock Simmons and Dewey Simmons. Surviving grandchildren on Sharon's side include Tyler Albea and Brandon Albea. She is survived by seven great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Services will be held at First Baptist Church, Darien, GA, on Wednesday, July 22. Family viewing at 11am, friends and public viewing at 12pm, and service at 1pm. Burial will immediately follow at Brunswick Memorial Park. A special thank you and appreciation to Ken Gilbert for his friendship, love and support of Helen and her family. Also, to Helen's special friends and staff of Carillon Assisted Living, Raleigh Rehab and Transitions Life Care of Raleigh. If preferred, In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen Millican's name to: Glynn Academy Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund http://www.glynnacademy1969.com/scholarship.html Morris Friedman, [email protected] , (912) 656-1092 Make checks payable to, and mail to: SCF/GA Class of 69 Memorial Scholarship Fund 206 Lee Blvd Savannah, GA 31405 Manna House of Brunswick (912) 264-1594 1408 G Street, Brunswick, GA 31520 No Kill Glynn County Animal Shelter (912) 223-4279 www.nokillglynncounty.org PayPal on-line accepted Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home is serving the family of Helen Millican. Online condolences may be made at http://www.brunswickmemorialpark.com/