Gladys Laverne McMillan

Funeral services for Mrs. Gladys Laverne McMillan will be conducted at 11:00 AM Sunday, April 10, 2022, at the First United Pentecostal Church of Kosciusko, MS. Reverend Shannon Pennington, Reverend Bob Ellis, Reverend Kris Tapia and Reverend Benji Wade will officiate. Interment will follow in the Parkway Cemetery in Kosciusko. Mrs. McMillan, age 95, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord early Monday morning, April 4, 2022, at the Merit Central Hospital in Jackson, MS. Gladys Laverne McMillan was born on August 27, 1926, in Attala County, MS to Ollie W. and Bessie Suddeth Odom. Sister McMillan obeyed the Gospel of Jesus Christ at a young age, was baptized in Jesus' name and received the infilling of His Spirit. Setting her sights on that heavenly city, she lived her life devoted to her Savior and being a servant in the Kingdom of God. Mrs. McMillan and her late husband, Reverend Samuel L. McMillan, dedicated their lives to the work of the Lord and spreading the saving gospel message of Acts 2:38 that they so loved. They were instrumental in founding Apostolic Churches in Lexington, MS and Winona, MS, as well as reviving an existing church in Ethel, MS. She will be fondly remembered as a fabulous cook. Among her passions, she enjoyed making fried apple pies, apple relish and homemade sugar syrup so delectable that her grandchildren declared that "it should have been sold in stores". Even in her advanced years, Sister McMillan was preparing meals and delivering them to those that were sick. Known for making what has been described as the best Peanut Brittle ever, it was through her tireless efforts that funds were raised over the years to finance the building of churches and furthering the work of the Lord. In addition, Sister McMillan had a strong alto voice and enjoyed singing with not only her children, but also with other ministers and their wives on gospel radio broadcasts in earlier years. Sister McMillan was a faithful member of the First United Pentecostal Church of Kosciusko, MS. She will be remembered as being full of spunk, tenacious, fiercely independent and the epitome of a Christian Lady. Serving as Pallbearers are Brian Wade, Eric Allen, Derohn Allen, Israel Lepard, Ethan Wade and Butch Mauldin. Honorary Pallbearers include Glen Odom, Kevin Deason, Scott Chunn, Danny Odom, Daniel Fisher, Shannon Mauldin, Randy Odom, Derrek Wade, David Ellard, Chet Allen, Charles Fisher, Jason Baugh. Mrs. McMillan was preceded in death by her parents, Ollie W. and Bessie Odom; 6 sisters, Ollie V. Peavey, Pauline McAdams, Delancie Chunn, Lee Allen, Alma Peavey, Betty Odom; 3 brothers, Walter Odom, Herbert Odom and Marshall Odom. Her memory will forever be cherished by her children, Samuel W. McMillan (Rebecca) of Terry, MS and Linda D. Schexnayder (Bruce) of Raymond, MS and her sister-in-law, Flossie Odom of Ashville, AL. "Granny Mac", as she was affectionately known to her grandchildren, also leaves behind 4 grandsons, Brian Wade (Keri), Gregory B. McMillan, Reverend Benji Wade (Kristen), Reverend Nik Schexnayder (Summer) and 1 granddaughter, Robin Tapia (Reverend Kris). Her legacy will also live on through 5 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Saturday evening, April 9, 2022, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and also Sunday morning 1 hour before the funeral service at the First United Pentecostal Church in Kosciusko, MS. Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.