Mary Lou Millican (Wilson), born June 18, 1939, in Jackson, Michigan, passed away gently, surrounded by the love of her family, on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Mary Lou’s early childhood carried her far from Michigan to Uitenhage, South Africa (now officially renamed Kariega), where her father, Harold Wilson, worked as an engineer for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. From the ages of seven to twelve, she was fully immersed in life there. She attended Riebeck School and fondly recalled goats, chickens, and donkeys roaming the streets. She remained pen pals with a classmate for more than twenty years — an early reflection of what would become one of her defining qualities: steadfast and enduring friendship.

Upon returning to the United States, her family settled in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Mary Lou attended school there from sixth grade through her graduation from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1957. She embraced her high school years wholeheartedly — poodle skirts, bobby socks, football games, and sock hops. She served as class secretary, was active in Student Council, sat on the prom court, and participated in several social clubs. It surprised no one when she was voted “Most Friendly.”

Following in her mother Grace’s footsteps, she attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, majoring in secretarial science. A proud and loyal member of Delta Gamma sorority, Mary Lou served as chapter president and sat on the University’s Panhellenic Board. Her devotion to Delta Gamma continued throughout her life as an engaged and supportive alumna.

In 1961, Mary Lou met Theodore “Ted” Millican on a blind date. They were engaged on Christmas Eve and married on May 5, 1962 — beginning a marriage defined by devotion and partnership. They raised their family in Westerville, Ohio, filling their years with adventure and togetherness. Family vacations in their motorhome were complete with eight-track tapes, card games, and campfires across the United States. A favorite destination was the Outer Banks of North Carolina, which became home in the 1990s. In their empty-nest years, Mary Lou and Ted embraced new adventures, including scuba diving. Bonaire became their favorite place to explore the beauty of the underwater world.

Mary Lou worked in the public school system in administrative roles, where she was especially devoted to supporting students with additional needs. She brought both competence and compassion to her work, quietly serving others behind the scenes.

When their first grandchild was born, they relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. As “Mimi,” Mary Lou was a constant and joyful presence in both the big and small moments of her grandchildren’s lives — school programs, holidays, birthday celebrations, and ordinary afternoons. Nothing brought her greater happiness than being with her family.

Proper, gracious, and deeply relational, Mary Lou maintained friendships that spanned decades. No one was ever happier to see you than Mary Lou — her face would light up, and in that moment, you knew you mattered. Though she knitted, served on a garden committee, participated in bridge club, and remained active in her senior community, it was never the activity itself that mattered most. It was always the people. The friends made at Leah Rose were a second family who brought her great joy for the past six years.

She is survived by her husband, Theodore Millican; her son, Jeffrey Theodore Millican (Amy); her daughter, Carolyn Millican Berry (Chuck); her beloved grandchildren, Wilson Berry, Charlie Berry, James Berry, and Emma Berry; and her brother, Thomas Wilson (Kathy).

She will be remembered for her warmth, her steadfast friendships, her propriety and grace, and the joy she expressed so freely when surrounded by those she loved. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Services have been entrusted to West Harpeth Funeral Home, 6962 Charlotte Pike, Nashville.