In the Fall of 1953, a 19 year-old Clarice Joan Cronic — aka CJ — joined a friend to visit a little country church, on the outskirts of Atlanta. They were going to the much anticipated Halloween Social. It was always a fun and festive event and this year would bring a Harvest Moon. Attending the party that same night, invited by a buddy of his, was Henry Russell McMillan. Henry's costume for the night was an old yellow print dress with a pair of brogans, a mop for a wig and long fake lashes. As the night continued, CJ saw a young, well-humored, handsome man underneath the funny costume. That night both CJ and Henry were smitten under a harvest moon. After 68 years of marriage, Henry went home to his Father in Heaven, in November 2022. Remaining behind only two years and one month longer, Clarice Joan passed away January 1, 2025. Now back at the side of the man who loved her for a lifetime, she will be missed by the friends and loved ones who remain to cherish and remember.

In her 50's, Joan — as she was called her whole life — chose to go simply by her initials CJ. She is survived by her son Russell and his wife Linda and their son Garrett and his wife Leslie, her daughter Andrea and her husband James and their son Matthew and her son Kelly, his wife Peggy and their daughter Hailey and son Tyler. One more name must be included. Though not born by blood, Oscar Rodriguez, became a son through love and care. Oscar and his wife and children will always be part of the family.

As a youth, as far back as anyone could remember, CJ was known for the strength and beauty of her singing voice. A dramatic soprano. In church on Sundays, when the congregation stood to sing together, people would always turn to see from where "that voice" was coming until they found her. She sang in the choir, from the pews, performed in little theaters and sang at social events to the delight of everyone. As a young girl many believed with her striking jet black hair and Elizabeth Taylor-esque good looks she might one day end up in Hollywood. But after meeting Henry, life would take her into a very different world.

By the time they married in 1954, Henry had enlisted in the Air Force and donned the uniform of a US Airman. Their wedding took place in a military chapel where after their vows were taken, the couple walked under four sets of crossed swords held aloft by young men from Henry's command unit, in dress blues.  Even in black and white the pictures are a sight to behold. The couple would now greet friends and family as Airman and Mrs. Henry R. McMillan.

Their journey began with a flurry of excitement and uncertainty. For Henry, the Air Force was his duty. For CJ, loving him meant going where duty called. They packed up their belongings and moved 18 times over the years, going from the humid summers of Savanah, Georgia — where their first son was born — to the snowy winters of Newfoundland to an outpost that was barely on a map — where their daughter came into the world — to the desert heat of San Antonio, Texas — where their youngest was born… and many other places in between.

CJ watched Henry put on his uniform each morning with a quiet pride, knowing his duty was also her sacrifice. She embraced each new home — painting the walls, planting a garden, creating warmth in the coldest places and a sense of home, no matter where they landed. She learned to navigate the loneliness that came with frequent Tours of Duty; waiting for a letter or phone call, to hear the sound of his voice after weeks of silence. She became a master at making dinners on a budget, celebrating birthdays in temporary housing and ensuring her children felt secure despite the instability of their nomadic military life.

Early in Henry's career, after two children were added to their family, he had opportunity to go through Officer's Candidate School, a grueling six-month program that was as unforgiving as it was excellent. Coming out as an Officer would drastically change their future. So… with two children in tow, CJ moved into temporary barracks near the school at Lackland Air Force Base. It was there the candidate's wives could stay, to patiently wait for a glimpse of their men on weekend furlough. Those visits often failed to happen for weeks at a time. Most candidates would not make it through. CJ stood in the gap for her husband and family, until ultimately, Henry graduated as Lieutenant, at the top of his class.

After 30 years of distinguished military service, Major and Mrs. Henry McMillan embraced civilian life with the same passion and purpose they had shown through the previous decades. Their shared enthusiasm for RV'ing and the adventures it offered, could finally be realized. At home, they dove into many DIY projects, transforming their home and property with creativity and elbow grease, reflecting their love and resourcefulness.

For CJ and Henry, later life became a blend of exploration, hard work and faith. Their hearts turned to spiritual matters, often spending hours reading the Bible together, listening to preachers they admired and sharing the Gospel when possible. It was then they crossed paths with Oscar Rodriguez, a young man whose potential and kind heart instantly captured theirs. He quickly became more than a friend. Never officially adopted they nevertheless embraced him as their third son, offering love, guidance and support. In turn, Oscar brought fresh energy and inspiration to their lives, becoming a cherished part of the family's story.

From small-town girl to military wife and mother, CJ's journey is a testament to resilience, sacrifice, determination and sometimes tough-love.  She would say her children are her greatest achievement in life — and for her — that is the truth. Beneath her sometimes fiery exterior there is no question that CJ loved fiercely, gave selflessly and sought to do her best, by those she held dear.