Gail Millman,
1947-2002,
a woman above rubies

By Dorothy Nordstrom

GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alberta, Canada—You had only to enter Gail’s room to see Jesus shining through her gorgeous smile and feel the joy that erupted in her laugh. Gail lived each day to the fullest, and the example she set the last few years of her life changed me forever. Now, I embrace each day as a precious gift from God.

I had known and loved Gail for almost 30 years, but God gifted us with a very special relationship these last few years. After reading Anne of Green Gables as a child, I prayed for a best friend like Anne’s "forever friend." God answered that prayer in Gail, my "forever friend." I thank God for allowing me to share Gail’s journey as she struggled and triumphed over the trial she believed God had gifted her with. Together we learned about God’s "perfect love"—her from her chair, and I as I knelt on the floor beside her.

Gail’s deepest desire was to serve God and to tell others what Jesus had done for her. When illness confined Gail to her home and chair she felt discouraged and useless. That is, until God showed her he was using her through her writing. Her joy then returned. Even in the midst of this trial Gail felt a deep inner joy and peace knowing she was held safely in God’s hands and that he was still using her to further his kingdom work.

Gail loved her family and covered them in prayer. She received such joy as she shared pictures of her children and grandchildren and stories of their new achievements. She cherished every note, card and picture that came her way.

So many memories, so many stories, we all have them. We shared laughter and tears—sometimes we laughed so hard we cried. Even at the worst of times she was thankful for everything. Her sense of humor and joy in the simple things in life was reflected in her writing. Her book (yet to be published) Move Over Job, You’ve Got Company is the story of her journey.

Gail was the most real and loving person I have ever met. She loved to challenge people to new depths. When she approached with that twinkle in her eyes you knew you were in trouble. The next thing you knew you were talked into doing something completely out of your comfort zone. It was always good for you, and she received great pleasure in seeing others develop the gifts God had given them.

Gail’s most precious gift was her ability to make each person she was with feel special and loved. This gift came straight from the heart of God.

My friendship with Gail wasn’t a coincidence. In Acts 17:26 God says he determines the times and places we live. He has an eternal friendship in mind. This friendship will be moved into the new heaven and new earth. Together we will be crowned with life and meet and worship our Savior.

Thank you God for my "forever friend."

Gail Louise Millman

MILLMAN, Gail Louise (Duncan), was born June 9, 1947, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She died Aug. 12 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, of liver disease caused by Hepatitis C contracted from tainted blood 23 years ago. The infection and resulting poor health did not stop Gail from living a vibrant and productive life.

Gail is survived by her husband, Pastor Bob Millman, her four children, Vittoria, Morgan, Jennifer and Adam; her four granddaughters, Erynn, Brookelynn, Zoe and Zara; her sisters, Diane Majerech and Nancy Newsom; and her mother, Luella Barker.

Gail served with her husband in congregations across Western Canada where she is fondly remembered for her contribution to youth ministries and the social and spiritual life of each congregation. She was active in women’s ministry in Canada and the United States and served as women’s editor for Northern Light magazine while also contributing to several other Christian publications.

Funeral services were conducted Aug. 16 at the WCG congregation’s building, with pastors Al Nordstrom and George Patrickson officiating.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002