Sybl Millican was born in Bruno, Arkansas on March 7, 1926, the daughter of Eltha Lowery Ogden and Garland Ogden. When Sybl was 7 her parents divorced and her Mother, Eltha married Clarence Wood when she was 9. They continued to live in Bruno on the farm. Sybl’s grandparents lived on the same farm, just down the hill.
Sybl left home as a teenager and worked as a caregiver to an elderly person in the Bruno area. She then moved to Shreveport, Louisiana where she worked as a waitress. She worked there until one day in 1945 when a friend of Sybl’s was going to California to see her boyfriend, and she ask Sybl to go with her. When they arrived in California, Sybl was introduced to Clarence (Mike) Millican. They instantly hit it off and two months and 3 days later they were married. Mike was transferred to Walla Walla, Washington, then back to California where he was discharged from the Army. Neither of them wanted to return to their home towns, so they moved to Shreveport. They were only in Shreveport a short time, and then moved to Houston. Mike started working during the day and going to school at night. Sybl worked as a waitress at night. Then in 1947, Sybl’s first child, Barbara was born, so her new job was Mom by day and waitress at night. Then in 1949, her second child Larry was born. Then when Mike had graduated from Law School, Sybl had her third child, Roger, in 1954. In 1978, Sybl’s grandson, Michael was born.
After Roger was born Sybl became a full time Mom with three children living in Bellaire, and that kept her very busy. In 1969, Sybl decided to go back to work. She worked for Craig’s for many years and then worked at Palais Royal until she retired. After she retired, Sybl and Mike moved to the Clear Lake Area In 1977.
Sybl and Mike built a home on Clear Lake, where they lived for many years. They hosted numerous Christmas Boat Lane Parties. They enjoyed their boat that they kept at the house. You mention boat ride and they were ready to go. Sybl liked taking the boat out for a ride and going fishing.
When they sold their home on the lake in 1993 and moved to Seabrook, where they enjoyed living with wonderful neighbors, that became great friends.
In 2014, Mike passed away a few days after their 69th anniversary. Sybl continued to live in the Clear Lake area until she left us to go be with Mike. In June they can celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary together.
Sybl is survived by her three children and their spouses, Barbara and Gary McCollum, Larry and Monica Millican, Roger and Renate Millican. She is survived by her grandchildren, Michael Millican, Scott McCollum, Greg McCollum and Cynthia McCollum Funderburk. She is survived by her brother, Merl Wood and her sister, Connie Edmonson and nephews and a niece.
Sybl was a wonderful Mother and loving wife who loved everybody and always had a smile for everyone she met.
A note from Sybl: I hope when you think of me it will be with a smile remembering the good times we had and our great visits with each other.
On Sunday, January 26, 2020 there will be a Visitation from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 pm at Crowder Funeral Home, Webster, TX. The interment will take place on Monday, January 27, 2020 at 10:45 am at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038.
The celebration of Sybl’s life will continue at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Monica Millican following the service at 934 Plantation, League City, Texas 77573. Call 281-332-2808 if you need help with directions if necessary.