Phyllis Milligan, a woman of deep Christian faith and a long-time community leader, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2023, at the age of 93.

Phyllis lived out her long life in love and commitment to others.

A native of Franklin Village in Michigan, Phyllis graduated from Birmingham High School in 1947 and attended Wooster College. While at Wooster, she met her beloved husband of 73 years, Judge John ("Jack") Milligan. They have three children, Jim Milligan, Rich Milligan, and Nancy Stewart.

Phyllis had a profound Christian faith. She was instrumental in the founding of Young Life of Stark County and was an active member of Christ Presbyterian Church where she belonged to a small group and regularly assisted in the food and clothing ministry.

Phyllis is known throughout the Canton community as a leader, having been President of the Junior League of Canton, the first Director of the Downtown Canton Association, the first Community Relations Director at United Bank and Chair of the Canton Symphony Orchestra Board among many other leadership positions.

Phyllis most enjoyed her service to individuals in the community, whether it was serving as the first director of Pyramid, Inc. which was dedicated to helping young women out of poverty into the work force or going out into the homes of the needy to help them obtain community assistance. In her later years, she was dedicated to the food and clothing ministry at Christ Church, praying with those who came to the church for assistance.

Throughout her life, Phyllis was committed to her family, raising her three children, and helping to nurture eight grandchildren. She enjoyed planning annual vacations for the extended family at the beach and hosting large Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. Most recently, Phyllis was thrilled at the birth of a great-grandchild whom she was able to meet for the first time only days before her passing.

Phyllis is survived by her husband Judge John Milligan; her children Jim Milligan of Traverse City, MI; Richard Milligan (Laura Carr) of Canton; Nancy Stewart of Kalamazoo, MI; her grandchildren Katie Milligan; Samantha Stewart; Ted Stewart; Rachel Helton (Gabe Helton); Mallory Milligan; Sarah Milligan; Anna Milligan; and Faith Milligan; and a great grandchild, Andrew James Humphrey. Also surviving Phyllis is her sister Nancy Davis, sister-in-law Annette Milligan, and their families.

She was preceded in death by her father Jennings Morse, mother Geraldine Morse and brother Jim Morse.

The last years of her life were spent at the Sanctuary Grande in North Canton where she loved and was loved by the staff who provided her care.

Visitation will be Saturday December 16th, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church in Canton followed by a Celebration of the Resurrection at 11. Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ Presbyterian Church, 530 Tuscarawas St W, Canton, OH 44702, https://cantoncpc.org/ or to Stark County Young Life, PO Box 9415, Canton, OH 44711, https://giving.younglife.org/starkcounty.