Winnell H. McMillan, born June 15, 1949 in Cleveland, Ga., to Ewell and Maybell Head, passed away suddenly in her home in Everett, Wash., on Nov. 9, 2009.

Winnell is survived by her husband of nearly 32 years, Gordon; sons Brent (Jolene), David (Jenny) and Nicholas; daughter, Kristine (Joe Sain); and her beloved granddaughter, Madison Mary Sain. Also, Winnell is survived by her mother, Maybell Head of Cleveland, Ga.,; sister Margie and her husband Larry Kinney of Headland, Ala., their children Deanna Kinney, David and Julie Kinney; nieces Kait and Caroline Kinney; her brother, Howell Head; her mother-in-law, Isobel (Ron) Gibson; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Doug and Lisa McMillan.

In 1975, Winnell left her roots in Georgia and struck out to Alaska with son David. In July 1977, she met Gordon and a marriage soon followed on Dec. 28, 1977.

Winnell and Gordon began their lives and family in Lynnwood, Wash., and then settled in Shoreline in April 1982 where they lived and raised their family until May ’97. Since then, their time has been spent on Snakelum Point on Whidbey Island, Edmonds and Everett.

Winnell loved her home on Snakelum; her flowers, her garden and her warm and open heart made her homes a wonderful place to come and enjoy. Her “green thumb” was envied and her floral arrangements for Kristine and Joe’s wedding were something to behold! No one made a house a home with the touch of love, better than Winnell.

But her proudest and most meaningful aspect of her life was her family. Her kin in Georgia and Alabama and her husband, four children and Miss Madison, Nana’s true one and only! Winnell was and always will be the beacon of good, the direction in the night, the comfort we all need and the glue that holds her family together.

Miss her, absolutely but to have had the times and memories we shared will live with us eternally.

Rest well my darling wife, Mom, Nana, sis and friend. Your family will endure and prosper because of you.

Forever and our day. Love Gordon.

A celebration of Winnell’s life will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Edgewood Baptist Church at 20406 76th Avenue West, Edmonds, WA 98026. Reception to follow at the Embassy Suites in Lynnwood. In lieu of flowers, Winnell wishes donations be made to Children’s Orthopedic Hospital which will be greatly appreciated.