of Little Rock, AR

November 30, 1925 - May 11, 2017

Our much loved Mother, Leona Ellon McCully Milbourn, passed away unexpectedly Thursday evening, May 11, 2017. She was a vibrant soul who enjoyed life, her family and friends, genealogy, art, travel, politics and bridge.

Leona (Lee) was born in El Dorado, Kansas on November 30, 1925 to Clyde and Neta McCully. They lived on the family farm and enjoyed a hard working but spirit-filled family life.

Leona met John D. Milbourn when she was 16. They enjoyed a long courtship marrying on May 28, 1944. They had three children. The family moved to Jonesboro, AR., and later, Pine Bluff, AR. due to career opportunities for John. They were an active couple as they raised their family, both teaching Sunday School at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro and Pine Bluff. Lee later taught at Lakeside United Methodist Church. John preceded Leona in death in January 2011, following 66 years of marriage. Lee moved to Woodland Heights Retirement Center in Little Rock soon after and enjoyed new friendships. She became an associate member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church where she treasured her Bible Study Sunday School class.

A graduate of El Dorado High School (Kansas) and Butler County Community College, Lee went on to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock at the age of 50.

Art was her great passion. She was working on a painting of her granddaughter, Emily Milbourn, on the day she died. Lee was a faithful member of the Pine Bluff Art League (formerly The Brush and Palette Guild) for 50 years. Her paintings were juried into the Delta Art Show on seven or eight occasions. She was a Signature Member of the Mid-Southern Watercolorists.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Richard, Donovan and Dr. Albert McCully, and sisters, Dorothy Wenkheimer and Mary Lesniak. Lee is survived by her three children Nancy Milbourn, Mary Milbourn Steele (Bill) of Little Rock, and Craig Milbourn (Ruth Anne) of Hot Springs. Eight grandchildren who were adored by her and who adored her as well survive: Matthew (Paula), Brian Steele (Kerum), John Steele, Lucas Milbourn, Emily Milbourn, Jessica White (TJ), Ashley Lewis (Ben), and Scott Terry (Meredith). Lee has 8 great grandchildren who loved their grandmother. She is further survived by her precious sisters-in-law, Lois Stein of California and Velma Milbourn of Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lee Milbourn was a good and faithful servant who loved unconditionally. She had a heart for children, the incarcerated, the poor, and the disenfranchised. Her generosity of spirit will be missed and remembered.

A celebration of Lee's life will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church at 11:00. Officiated by Rev. Britt Skarda and Dr. Jeffery Hampton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, the Pine Bluff Art League, 211 W. Third Street, Suite 108, Pine Bluff, AR 71601, or a charity of choice.

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