Beverly E. Milligan

Beverly E. Milligan, affectionately known as “Bev,” passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2015, at her home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, surrounded by her loving family. Bev gave it her all in her fight to overcome the cancer taking over her body; her devotion to her family, her positive attitude and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. She was born in East Riverdale, Maryland to the late Jessie G. Heath (nee Bayliss) and Edward C. Heath. Her older brother Marvin E. Heath of Seabrook, MD predeceased her. After graduating from Maryland Park High School she went to work for the Department of The Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s office in Washington, DC. After a few years there she went to work for the Department of Defense, National Security Agency at Fort Meade, Maryland where she retired after nearly 38 years of federal service. After retirement her passion of reading and helping others started a new career for her. She began volunteering with the Upper Marlboro Branch Library and became a part-time vacation relief in the law office of R. Y Clagett, Esquire. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting and making new friends wherever she went. She has been married to the love of her life or as she says “Sometimes” William “Bill” Milligan for over 50 years. She is also survived by her nephews Marvin E. Heath (Cindy) of Park Forest, IL, and Michael T. Heath of Greenbelt, MD and niece Heather Bryan (nee Wittstadt) of Cambridge, MD. She has two great nieces; Ashley Heath of Chicago, IL and Megan Taylor (Master) of Berlin, CT, a great nephew Conner Bryan of Cambridge, MD and great-great nephews Karl and Kirie Taylor and great-great nieces Alexis and Alana Taylor. She also has two surviving sister-in-laws that are more like sisters Nancy Fishpaw (Robert) and Emily Wittstadt (T. George) of Cambridge, MD. Surviving cousins are James Garrison of El Cajon, CA, David Garrison (Dotty) of Bowie, MD, Wesley Garrison (Barbara) of Dentsville, MD, Mark Garrison (Jill) and Libby Garrison of Annapolis, MD. Bev has an extended family of military service members who rotated through her office from Southeast Asia, Korea and Japan over the years. The family would like to thank all of the family members and friends who helped take care of Bev during her last days. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Bev’s name to the Friends of the Upper Marlboro Branch Library, 14730 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Beverly E. Milligan please visit our Sympathy Store.