Nellie Frances Mires MacMillan died on July 21, 2012. She was born in Enterprise,
Florida, in 1920, to John Jefferson Mires and Frankie Mae Martin Mires. She grew up in
DeLand, Florida. She is survived by her four children, Lynn MacMillan Denney, Carol
MacMillan Stanley (C.R.), Neil T. MacMillan (Connie), Fran MacMillan Botos (Michael) and
her 8 grandchildren, Brian Denney (Rosemary), Kimberly Denney, John Stanley, Tom
Stanley (Kirsten),, Amy MacMillan, Carrie MacMillan, Allison Botos and Michael Botos.
She is also survived by three great grandchildren. Nell is survived by two sisters, Faye Fly
and Jocelyn Wimer. Her sister Corrie Lou Tomlinson predeceased her.
Nell was a student at Stetson when she met her future husband, Neil E. MacMillan.
They were married 54 years. Neil predeceased her in 1996. Nell and Neil decided to make
Delray their home at the end of the war in 1945, seeing the potential in this small village.
Neil became a well known, prominent attorney and community leader while Nell, a
volunteer, was busy raising the children and participating in starting many organizations.
She was a charter member of the Bethesda Auxiliary and a hospital volunteer for many
years. She was also active in her beloved Seacrest Presbyterian Church, where she sang
in the choir and attended circle groups. Nell and Neil were charter church members. She
was a founding member of a book club (Round Table) which she started with a friends in
the late 40's and remained an active member and avid reader until her death. She was also
a part of the early group that supported the fledgling Delray public library. Nell later
discovered a passion for china painting. Many items she painted were featured in
publications. She painted sets of dishes for her children, relatives and friends. She also
enjoyed social activities including sewing club, supper club, and reading at her cabana at
the Colony Cabana Club. No matter how busy, she scheduled time to spend with each
of her young grandchildren and carefully planned activities and outings for them. Nell was
affectionately known as GrandNell to her grandchildren.
Nell moved to Abbey Delray South in 2003 where she made many new friends with
her outgoing personality. Always impeccably groomed, she looked forward to the social
activities and daily dinners with friends. She sang in the choir and enjoyed Chi Kung.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. J. Styperek for the
excellent care and interest he expressed in caring for Nell during her last years. Also, the
family wishes to commend the staff at the Benefactors Pavilion for their kindness during
Nell's hospitalizations.
There will be a memorial service at Seacrest Presbyterian Church, 2703 N. Seacrest
Blvd., Delray Beach 33444, on Friday, July 27, at 11 am, followed by a reception at Quail
Ridge Country Club for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the
Seacrest Presbyterian Church or Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, 13300 6th Court
N., Loxahatchee, FL 33470.