Betty Milford's Obituary
Betty Frances Larkins Milford died October 2 wrapped in song and love. Born September 7, 1923, in Greensboro, N.C., Betty grew up in a boys’ dormitory at Oak Ridge Military Institute in North Carolina where her father Major Richard P. Larkins served as Commandant. She was predeceased by her father “The Major”, her mother Doris Blackwell Larkins, and her younger brother Richard P. Larkins, Jr.At an early age Betty studied dance, piano and voice, interests continuing into later life. Betty graduated with honors in voice and piano from Brenau College and was known to classmates as “Angel” due to her gentle nature and lovely soprano voice. Her greatest joy was to be accompanist and dance partner to the love of her life Dr. Lee Milford who predeceased her in 2013. Dancing into their 80’s, they were blessed with 69 years of marriage. Her autobiography ends with “Always make time to dance.” Family fondly remembers 91-year-old “Gramm” playing “Kitten on the Keys”, Joplin and Chopin on the piano.Betty’s love of language and her amazing facility with memorization enabled her to recall poems and songs during the last debilitating months of her life. Friends and family were frequently toasted with her original verse. Special lullabies were written for grandchildren. Whimsical letters from the imaginary hummingbird Herman arrived in her grandsons’ mailbox from Central America. All of these delightful poems and songs will be cherished for generations to come.Betty’s eyes conveyed graciousness, hospitality, and kindness. Keenly observant, she noticed the little things – the violet, a chickadee, or a caregiver’s smile. Friends and family will long remember the annual Christmas Carol parties hosted for Campbell Clinic families throughout many decades. In the Memphis community Betty served as a sewing room volunteer at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and was one of the original LeBonheur “Golden Girls”. She served as President of the Memphis Symphony League, and President of Episcopal Church Women at Holy Communion where she was a faithful and long time member of the choir. Other organizations to which she belonged were the LeBonheur Travel Club, Beaux Arts, and several study groups.Family left to mourn her loss are daughter Martha Boyd (Jim) of Memphis, son Richard Milford (Libbett deceased) of Grosse Pointe Park, MI, devoted sister-in-law Betty Ezelle of Anderson, S.C., grandchildren – Jeremy Boyd (Christie), Jonathan Boyd, James Boyd, and Tobie Milford (Lara) as well as great granddaughters Larkin, Maisie and Junia Boyd. A celebration of her life will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 6, at Church of the Holy Communion followed by visitation. Memorials may be made to Church of the Holy Communion, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Campbell Clinic Foundation, or BRIDGES.
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