Millie Elizabeth (Bradley) Killebrew

Millie Elizabeth Bradley, 94, of Tarboro, passed away on March 28, 2023. Millie was born in Tarboro on February 25, 1929, to John Ivey Bradley and Vallie Inscoe Bradley

A funeral service is planned for 11:00 AM on Friday, March 31, 2023, at Carlisle Funeral Home with the Reverend Kim Lail officiating. Burial will follow at McKendree Church Cemetery.

Millie was known as Mama to her loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cherished the moments they would visit and spend time with her. When her grandchildren were younger, she would always indulge them during their daily visits making sure there were plenty of fun activities and always something to eat and drink. She would nurse and spoil them whenever they were sick from school which may have encouraged some sicknesses along the way.

Growing up during the depression, she valued family and neighbors above all and embraced love and compassion above material possessions. Millie graduated from West Edgecombe High School and attended Louisburg College. She married the love of her life, Clater Parker Killebrew in 1948. She went on to be his constant companion and could often be found working in the country store, helping out on the farm, and raising three boys. She was always active in the lives of the children as a class mother, helping with 4-H projects, attending class field trips, and supporting them throughout life.

Millie was extremely active in the life of McKendree United Methodist Church. In earlier years, she would arrive at the church on the cold winter mornings to manually light the gas heaters before services. She always took pride in making sure the church was clean and the grounds were well manicured as long as her health allowed. Many people would often spot her on her John Deere lawnmower keeping her own lawn manicured over the years.

Millie had a love and true talent for cooking. Those that visited her home over the years would never leave thirsty or hungry. Her favorite desserts to cook were pecan pies and pecan tarts along with an abundance of sweet tea to wash it down. She would always make sure to deliver plenty of pies and tarts for church socials, community events, family reunions, and to neighbors for celebrations and times of mourning.

Millie was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Vallie Bradley; her husband, Clater Killebrew; her son, Al Killebrew; her brothers, Lawrence Bradley and John Bradley.

Millie is survived by her sons CP Killebrew of Tarboro, NC and Randy Killebrew (Shelley) of Tarboro, NC; Daughter-In-Law Cindy Killebrew of Tarboro, NC; Sisters-In-Law Ann Bradley of Tarboro, NC and Janet Bradley of Tarboro, NC; Granddaughters Kristal Glover (Ken) of Jamestown, NC and Meg Lawson (Daniel) of Southbury, CT; Grandson Brad Killebrew (Lauren) of Apex, NC; Greatgrandchildren Laurie Lawson, Mary Miller Glover, Will Lawson, Hannah Lawson, and Caleb Killebrew. She is also survived by many loving Nieces, Nephews, Grand-Nieces, and Grand-Nephews.

The family would like to thank the long term caregivers and helpers Kioma Williams and Lawrence Battle who have faithfully and lovingly supported Mom over many years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to McKendree United Methodist Church c/o Cindy Dawes, 1788 Antioch Rd, Rocky Mount NC 27801. 

Visitation will be at 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Carlisle Funeral Home.

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