Betty Milam

DIEHLSTADT, Mo. -- Betty Jean "B.J." Greer Milam, 81, died Monday, June 28, 2010, at her home.

She was born Dec. 9, 1928, in Granite City, Ill., to the late William Jacob and Mable May Hodshire Greer.

She had lived in Diehlstadt a number of years where she and her husband were the owners and operators of BJ's Lounge, and was of the Pentecostal belief. Affectionately known as "B.J.," she was a sweet, caring and endearing person who had an interest in the lives of others. She and her late husband gave of their time and ability to the young people in Diehlstadt and took an interest in their lives unselfishly.

On Nov. 17, 1956, she married Earl Clayo Milam. He preceded her in death March 30, 2007.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Donnie Earl and Pam Milam of Cape Girardeau; a daughter and son-in-law, Sandra Lee and Ken Matthews of Wichita Falls, Texas; a brother, Richard Greer of Granite City; two sisters, Rose Richardson of Troy, Ill., Darlene Sikes of Walshville, Ill.; five grandchildren, Eric Michael Matthews, Philip Kevin Matthews, Larry Joe Matthews, Trevor Clayton Milam and Mallory Kristine Milam; nine great-grandchildren; and special friends Ruth Burns and her family.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Bert Greer, Billy Greer and Johnny Greer; and by four sisters, June Horstmeyer, Virginia Conklin, Mable May Greer and Ida Sue Greer.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, Mo., where funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday. Her son-in-law, Ken Matthews, will officiate. Interment will be in Maynard Cemetery near Diehlstadt.

Pallbearers will be Jack Groves, Eric DeHart, Jeff Gage, Mark Pemberton, Michael Lee Bowles, Thomas Perry, Dan Tolbert, Doug Haddock, Mike Burns and Wilson Adams.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.