Emma Lou Milam

Emma Lou Milam, 86, passed from this earth shortly after noon on June 23, 2017, finishing a beautiful life as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and Christian; she then, in her new heavenly body, strode proudly and upright through the gates of Heaven, straight into the loving arms of her savior, Jesus Christ. She was soon thereafter greeted by her mother, Patricia Jahnke; father, Gordon Dixon; brother, Darrell Dixon; sister, Juanita Ellison; and brother-in-law, Norman Milam. And they are, at this very moment, showing her around the Kingdom of Heaven, which she will now call home for all eternity. This is why those of us left behind, although we surely mourn her passing, now rejoice! Because we know she is now experiencing perfect peace in the company of Almighty God!

Throughout her life, Emma Lou positively influenced all whom had the pleasure of knowing her. She had a wide circle of family and friends, all of which loved her very much. Known for her kind heart, she was unparalleled in the art of Christian charity, always there for anyone who needed her. In addition, she was also a loving wife, expert home-maker, and gourmet cook. Her meals were legendary to anyone who had ever sat at her table; just as legendary was her homemade candy, which she enjoyed gifting to friends and strangers alike come Christmastime. Always a thoughtful and magnanimous spirit, Emma Lou had a habit of going the extra mile for guests to her home. For example, if she had advance knowledge that somebody was coming by for a visit, she would put a Coke in the freezer about thirty minutes prior to their arrival, thereby ensuring that an icy cold beverage awaited the grateful guest. It is for these reasons—but also the many more too numerous to cite here—that she will be remembered so fondly by all those who knew and loved her. She was surely an excellent example of a Christian life well-lived, and the world is a darker place with her gone. But we know this: Paradise’s brilliant light got a shade brighter the moment she joined its heavenly host!

Born October 4, 1930, in Murray, Texas, Emma Lou lived a beautiful life from the start. She was always there for her family, and her sisters and brother depended on her for her kind and warm temperament; she eventually fell in love with, and became the wife of, Carl “Bub” Milam, on October 25, 1952. They resided in Crane, and then later on, and until Emma Lou’s death, in Odessa. “Bub” was blessed to be married to Emma Lou for more than 64 amazing years! They shared their years with one another in love and respect; in fact, “Bub” was amazed daily by her strength of character, Christian example, and gentle and kind heart.

Emma Lou is survived by her husband, “Bub”; doting sister, Gloria Milam; loving son, Carl Gordon Milam (and his wife, Shelly); devoted daughters, Sherry Milam and Renae Novak (and her husband, Leroy); sister-in-law, Peggy Dickson; adoring grandchildren, “Dubba” Milam (and his wife, Jenelle); “Kimby” McClatchy (and her husband, Kelly); Traci Woods (and her husband, Justin); and Jaci Mason. In addition, she is survived by her loving great-grandchildren: Kamryn, Kaylor, and Layton Milam; Ashlyn, Kolby, and Kenzi McClatchy; Emma and Parker Woods; and Aubree Mason.

Emma Lou will be remembered by her husband, daughters, son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, as the most wonderful person they could have ever been blessed to call “family.” From all of them: “Until we meet again, we will miss you as we have loved you—every day, and with all of our hearts and souls. Goodbye, Mee-Maw.”


Visitation will be held at Shaffer Nichols Funeral home from 6 to 8 P.M. on Sunday, June 25, 2017. Graveside services will be conducted at Crane County Cemetery on Monday, June 26, 2017, at 10 A.M. Services will be presided over by Reverend David Bryant, under the direction of Shaffer Nichols Funeral Home. Honorary Pallbearers for the services are Zachary Powell; Bryan Dixon; Dennis Dickson; Michael Powell; Kevin Dixon; Greg Turner; Jon Calcote; and Darrell Dixon.