of Little Rock, AR
April 14, 1923 - November 7, 2022
Milgean "Millie" Nash Cantrell, age 99, died on November 7, 2022.
Millie was born on April 14, 1923 to Sissy and Joe Nash in the small community once known as Bono, near Greenbrier, AR. She was raised by her mother, Sissy and stepfather, Babe Hargrove. Some of Millie's best memories included working with her parents in the fields of their small family farm and doing cross-stitch, embroidery and sewing with her mother by the light of a coal lamp at night. Living in the country, her family did not have electricity until she was about 12 years old.
Millie attended schools in Webster Grove and Greenbrier, Arkansas, where she was a star basketball player. As a high school student, she often served as a student substitute teacher for the elementary school. One of the teachers for whom she substituted would one day become her sister-in-law, Meavrow Cantrell Coburn. Many years later, Millie would become Meavrow's caregiver.
It was in the ninth grade that Millie met the love of her life, Porter Cantrell. Porter would ride his horse or drive his old Model T Ford to see Millie. Millie and Porter married in 1943 and moved to Little Rock. Porter began a career in the commercial laundry business and Millie became one of Kroger's first female employees to work in a meat department. In 1960, Porter and Millie took a leap of faith and purchased a commercial laundry and dry cleaners in Pine Bluff, AR. Over the next 38 years, Porter and Millie successfully transformed Young's Laundry and Cleaners into one of the largest commercial laundry and dry cleaners in Southeast Arkansas.
Millie was active in church, most recently at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, where she attended Sunday School into her early 90's. She was the self-appointed attendance monitor for her class. She called any Sunday School member that missed class to make certain they were OK and to give them an encouraging word.
Millie was multi-talented. She had an amazing green thumb and loved taking care of her yard and plants. For her 89th birthday, she asked for a new lawnmower. She continued mowing her own lawn into her 90's. Millie was also incredibly artistic and creative. She did quilting, sewing and all kinds of crafts and continued doing cross-stitch and embroidery into her mid-90's.
Millie was a fabulous cook and especially good at making pies, cobblers, chicken and dumplings and cornbread dressing.
Millie dearly loved her son, granddaughter and great-grandsons. She was also a mother figure to many of her son's friends when they were growing up. Those friends, many of whom are now grandparents, continued to check-in on their "Miss Millie".
Before the onset of Alzheimer's, Millie always had a smile on her face. She thoroughly enjoyed life and her laugh was infectious! Everyone enjoyed being around "Miss Millie"!
Millie is survived by her son, Thurston Cantrell of Little Rock; granddaughter, Corey Cantrell-Breland (Eric) and two great-grandsons, Isaiah Amir Mamodesene and Eric Breland, Jr. of Dayton, Maryland.
A graveside service will be held on at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 18, 2022, at Bethlehem Cemetery (beside Bethlehem Baptist Church) in Greenbrier, AR. Reverend Mary Vano of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Little Rock will officiate.
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13 Condolence(s)
Tammy McBean
Thursday, November 17, 2022
I’m sending some love your way in your time of loss. Family is so influencing so I’m so happy she was a wonderful teacher for you Corey! Millie was always so happy & nice to me! ♥ï¸
Nancy Daniels
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Thurston, prayers for you and your family. I wish I could attend your mother’s graveside service. Mary will do a loving and faithful tribute to your mother. Again, my love to you and your family. Nancy
Tricia Weis
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Sending my love and condolences to you all!
Carol A Robinson
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Thurston, my friend, I am beyond devastated to learn of your dear Mother's passing. You have my most heartfelt sympathy and I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Carol & Brad Robinson
Jana fendler
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Thurston so sorry to hear about your mom! No matter how old we are it’s so hard to lose a parent!
Wanda Paris
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
I will always remember her kind sweet nature. With loving thoughts and prayers ðŸ™ðŸ»â¤ï¸
Vickie Hooker
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Thurston, Corey and boys, I wish I had the perfect words to ease your grief, but I never know what to say. Sending sincere condolences and prayers for all of you.
Mike & Patty Keogh
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
With deepest condolences and with thoughts & prayers for the family!
Shanterra Smith (Lulu)
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Corey I send my deepest condolences to you and the family. I remember all the wonderful stories you told me about your Grandmother and how she was such a blessing to you. Heaven gained a beautiful Angel that will be looking over you at all times.
Cindy Hillman
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Thurston, please know our prayers are with you during this difficult time. You were blessed to have your wonderful mother!
Cindy and Billy Hillman
Rosemary Kemp Taliaferro
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
So many memories of Miss Mille as I basically grew up with her and Porter in Pine Bluff as a neighbor for many, many years. I don’t think I ever went into her house where she was either doing needlepoint or cooking. Sometimes we would just sit at her kitchen table and talk. Such a kind and sweet lady who adored her husband. Porter and son, Thurston. I know she will be deeply missed.
Brenda J Wright
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
My heartfelt sympathies to all of Miss Millie's family. Thurston, thinking of you as I know what you have been through and the loss is great.
Elizabeth MORRISON
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Remembering with love...