WILMINGTON — It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Billie Jean Millard, 83 of Wilmington, North Carolina on March 24, 2026. She was born on January 5th, 1943, to the late Ralph Livingston Riggs and Louise Parker Riggs.
Billie Jean is survived by her devoted loving husband David King Millard. She married her soulmate on February 3, 1962. Together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, joy and unwavering companionship. David often referred to her as his “Peach,” a reflection of the deep love they found in one another. They enjoyed sharing life’s many adventures side-by-side, some of their happiest memories were going camping and traveling to all 50 states and multiple countries.
She was a loving and dedicated mother to her daughters, Mandy Millard and Sheila Cottle (Chris), and she was the proud “MawMaw” to her grandchildren Whitney Murray (fiancé Dustin), David “Wayne” Murray, Taylor Cottle (fiancée Harlie) and McKenzie Cottle. Great grandchildren, Mariah Harker and Jacob Sutton, who all brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her brother Teddy Livingston Riggs (Carolyn), Ann Millard (Thomas) and Laurel Millard (William) many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents, sister, Ann Riggs Ill; brothers and sisters-in-law, William Fillmore Millard Sr. (Bobette), Junius Hayward Millard Sr. (Berneice), Luther Richard Millard Sr. (Phyllis), Thomas Omega Millard Sr. (Gloria); mother-in-law, Lucille Millard, and nephew, Victor Terrell Millard.
Billie Jean graduated from New Hanover High School in 1961. After graduating she worked at James Walker Memorial Hospital prior to beginning her professional career in banking. She went on to further her education by attending the NC School of Banking at UNC, Chapel Hill. After 30 years in banking, she retired as Assistant Vice President at United Carolina Bank. After early retirement, she began a successful 10-year career journey at Prudential Carolinas Reality as a Broker/Realtor. A dedicated member of her community, Billie Jean, served in many offices with the Exchange Club of Lower Cape Fear and gave generously of her time as a chairperson with Make-A-Wish Foundation. Served on the Azalea Festival committee, PTA treasurer, she served as Sunday School teacher at St. Andrews On the Sound Episcopal Church where the couple was united in marriage.
Billie Jean lived a full and vibrant life; she loved spending time with her family and formed long lasting friendships. She also cherished her cat Lucy Lou who was her constant companion. She enjoyed many hobbies and passions such as cooking and trying new recipes, gardening, celebrating and decorating for every holiday and found joy in sewing, playing bridge, and attending luncheons with friends. She was the most loving, caring, compassionate sweet-spirited woman who always wanted to help her family, friends and the community she grew up in.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Carolina Christian Radio in Memory of Billie Jean.
