Ann Milam

Ann Hoover Milam passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on January 16, 2023 at the Bridgewater Retirement Community. She joined her dear husband Claude, who had been her heavenly angel since 2011. Ann was born May 5, 1928 in Timberville, Virginia, to devoted parents Lawrence and Ola Hoover. She enjoyed a carefree childhood, surrounded by many loving relatives, and was fondly referred to as "Annie." After high school, Ann began studies at the Randolph-Macon Women's College and Madison College, receiving a degree in Elementary Education. It was during this time that she would meet and marry the man who called her "my sweet." She wed Claude White Milam in 1950. In 1953, Claude accepted a professional position at his alma mater, Hampden-Sydney College, and the happy couple started their family. In 1968, Claude received an offer he couldn't refuse. The family moved to Yorktown, Va., where Claude briefly served as Principal at Yorktown Intermediate School, but was quickly promoted to the role of Principal at York High School. As Claude was establishing a footprint in the community, so was Ann, working in various capacities as a classroom teacher, Reading Specialist, and ultimately a Title I Specialist for York County Public Schools. She was also an active member of the choir at Yorkminster Presbyterian Church. For the next 27 years, the Milam family became known and loved throughout the academic, sports and church communities in the area. Ann opened her home to countless youngsters over the years— all friends of their children or students at the high school, who gravitated toward the couple's sense of unconditional acceptance and wise counsel. It was the most blissful time of their lives; and the imprint left on the many neighbors and friends will never be forgotten by the Yorktown Community. Ann and Claude were a strong and unified couple, regarded as good, honest, hard-working, family-oriented people, with a strong faith in the Lord. In 1995, when Claude's health began to deteriorate, Ann made the difficult choice to move from Yorktown to Midlothian, Va., taking up residence at the retirement community in Brandermill Woods. There, she found respite, knowing that her daughter Vicki and son-in-law Gerry were a few steps away, assisting in the best and worst of times. Ann was a devoted wife, and made many sacrifices to ensure the highest quality of care for Claude. Ann will be remembered as a beautiful, gracious Southern Belle, who enjoyed a meticulous hairstyle with coordinating outfits and earrings. She will also be remembered for her great allegiance to Hallmark, Inc. A lifetime of cards sent to family and friends left a legacy of soulful poems, song lyrics, heartfelt messages and extraordinary penmanship.