Patricia Milling

Patricia Earle Milling, age 81, of Ashland City, Tennessee, formerly of Phenix City, Alabama, died Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville.

There will also be a graveside service at 3 o’clock pm, Monday, June 2nd, in Lakeview Memory Gardens in Phenix City, Alabama, with Rev. Matt Honeycutt officiating. The family will receive friends at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City on Monday prior to the graveside service from 12:30PM until 2:30PM.

Ms. Milling was born on July 13, 1943 in Washington, D.C. to the late Paul Monroe Statham, Sr. & Helen Morgan Gaynelle Statham Brown.

Patricia, a proud alumna of Central High School in Phenix City, AL, where she distinguished herself as a drum majorette, carried her dedication to excellence throughout her life. She graduated summa cum laude from Troy State University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science, a testament to her keen intellect and commitment to learning.

Music was a lifelong passion for Patricia. For an incredible 75 years, she graced countless lives with her piano melodies, serving as a cherished church pianist or organist for many years. Her musical gifts extended beyond the piano; she also played the clarinet and oboe in school and later as a valued member of the Bob Barr Community Band in Columbus, GA. Patricia generously shared her love of music, teaching piano lessons to others, including a touching exchange where she taught a blind friend to play piano in return for him teaching her the accordion.

Beyond her musical pursuits, Patricia found joy in simple pleasures. She delighted in tackling crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and enjoyed countless hours playing solitaire on her tablet. Her love for animals was profound and encompassing. She cherished her birds, dogs, and cats, and held a special affection for horses and donkeys. Her compassionate spirit even extended to an unlikely friendship with a large hog named "Bubba."

Patricia's faith was a cornerstone of her life, evident in her tireless dedication to her church communities. For over 50 years, she faithfully taught Sunday school, shaping generations with her wisdom and spiritual guidance. Her commitment to her faith extended to leadership roles, as she held various positions in both local churches and the East Alabama Free Will Baptist district conference for 25 years.

Patricia Milling will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her profound musical talent, her sharp mind, her boundless compassion for all creatures, and her unwavering devotion to her faith. She leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and service that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Rev. Frank Fagan, Jimmy Hodge, Millard Tilley “MillMoo”, John Baird, Timothy Baird, and Rev. Allan Griffith.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Rodger William Milling, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Robin Ball Milling; and sister-in-law, Juellene Statham.

She is survived by her sons, Rodger William Milling, Jr, Rev. Mark Stephen Milling, and Rev. David Luke (Sharon) Milling, both of Ashland City, Tn; daughter, Rebecca Joy (Michael) Baird of Galloway, Ohio; brother, Paul M. Statham, Jr of Dawsonville, Georgia.; grandchildren, Rodger William Thomas, David Andrew Perkins, Rev. Caleb Luke (Callie) Milling, Bethany Rose Milling (Mitchell) Moody; great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Anna, A’leeah, Jackson, Sadie, Tucker, Cooper, and Clara; 1 great-great-granddaughter; nephews, Paul Statham and Greg Statham; and step-brother, Kenneth Jackson (Angie) Brown of Alabama.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Patricia’s memory to: Harper Road Free Will Baptist Church Building Fund, 7130 Harper Road, Joelton, Tennessee, 37080