Elizabeth "Betty" Tonge McMillan

Elizabeth “Betty” Tonge McMillan, 96, of Lyman, South Carolina died at Ashlan Village on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Betty was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Maner Lawton Tonge and the late Mary Belle Cliatt. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Leslie Love McMillan, Jr, her son Leslie Love McMillan III, and her brother James Maner Tonge.

Betty received her bachelor’s degree from Converse College (now University) and her master’s degree (MSW) from the University of South Carolina. She was a social worker for the Department of Social Services for many years. She later served as director of Services to Families, a United Way Agency before she retired.

She was a member of Central Methodist Church. She and her husband loved to travel and spend time with their grandchildren during their retirement. She also enjoyed reading, swimming, bird watching, entertaining friends and family and working in her flower gardens.

Betty McMillan is survived by her daughter, AliceKay McMillan, two granddaughters- Gwenlain Cliatt Phifer (Landon Campbell-Cook) and Emily Harris Phifer (David Michael Smith) and three great grandchildren, Penelope Adele Cook, Avanil Rose Phifer, and Barliman James Phifer.

The family will have a celebration of Betty’s life at a later date. She loved her family and friends dearly and we will gather to share our stories and fond remembrances of her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Central Methodist Church or the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen.