Jessie Leona Milam
May 13, 1927 - March 31, 2021

Jessie Leona (Nicholson) Milam of Los Banos, age 93 passed away on March 31, 2021 in Santa Rosa, CA. She was born on May 13, 1927 in Ash Flat, Arkansas.
Jessie grew up on a farm in Arkansas during the Great Depression and moved to California at 16 years old. At one time she was a "Rosie the Riveter" working at the munitions plant in Richmond, Ca. during World War II. Shortly afterwards, she met Lloyd and fell in love and married at age 19. The couple moved to Los Banos, where she lived for 54 years, raising three children. She worked for many years as a seamstress. Jessie was one of the most generous people and helped numerous friends and family members in any way she could. She volunteered many hours working for her church planning meals in the kitchen and teaching Bible classes. She also sewed costumes for the choir and drama groups. She crocheted many afghans and baby blankets for others. She crocheted beautiful tablecloths for each granddaughter and daughter. Jessie always had fresh baked cookies ready for her grandkids and loved to play cards and games with them. She volunteered at local schools helping with tutoring. She served for a year on the grand jury of Merced county.
Survived by children Iva Halstead (Richard), David Milam (Carol), Donald Milam (Kathy), 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by husband Lloyd Milam, parents Stephen and Nancy Nicholson, siblings Pearl, Ruby, Mary, Oneida, Martha and Milburn (Nick)
A visitation will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 at Calvary Baptist Church in Los Banos at 10 am followed by the Funeral Service at 11 am. Graveside Service at 1pm at Los Banos Cemetery District.
Flowers can be coordinated through Whitehurst Chapel or Donations can be made to the Calvary Baptist Church in Los Banos.

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