Annie Mae McMillian was born on September 23 (her mother’s birthday) in Wilcox County, Alabama. She was the first child born to Eddy and Mattie Lee (Pettway) McMillian. Annie graduated from Central High School in Mobile, Alabama, earned degrees from Bishop State Community College and Alabama State University.
Later, she earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of California, Berkeley. Annie married Burrell H. Young, Sr. on June 28, 1954 and moved from Alabama to San Francisco, California the very next day. Although they knew no one in California and had no family there, Annie wanted to start and raise her family away from the segregated South.
Over the years, her brothers, sister and several other family members also moved to the Bay Area. Annie loved her family and put family first. She always encouraged them, and applauded all of their achievements and accomplishments.
Annie is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Burrell H. Young, Sr., her son Burrell H. Young, Jr. and her companion Felix Jackson. She leaves to cherish her memory daughters Karen A. Young-Simmons and Eleanor D. Young-Smith (Michael), grandchildren Fatimah M. Aure (Seth) and Burrell H. Young, III, and great grandchildren Dartise, David, Raneisha, Raven, Mecca, Darius and Diamond. Annie will also be greatly missed by beloved brothers John H. McMillian (Ruby), James C. McMillian, Sr. (Betty) and sister Grace L. Champion, and a host of nephews, nieces, extended family and dear friends.
During the 19 years that Annie worked as a librarian for the San Francisco Public Library, she had the opportunity to work in each neighborhood library throughout the City. Annie met and mentored countless students, many of whom credit her for encouraging higher education. She always stressed that a solid education was something that no one can take from you.
Annie was the Lead Reference Librarian at San Francisco City College for more than 20 years, retiring in 1997 to care for her husband. Annie was always sweet, positive and kind, and shared heart-felt words of encouragement and wisdom with everyone. She advised that “If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all”.
Annie was a true Southern lady, always poised and well put together. She raised her girls to be ladies and her son to be a true gentleman. Annie was initiated into the Beta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta (DST) Sorority, Inc. at Alabama State and was a devoted member of DST for more than 60 years.
She was involved with several organizations including the Golden Gate Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. and the NAACP (lifetime member). Annie was also a beloved member of the Wesleyans and the Mary McLeod Bethune Mission Group of Jones Memorial United Methodist Church, where she was life-long and active member since first arriving in San Francisco. After Annie retired, she did volunteer work at the church school, summer school and food pantry.
Annie M. Young transitioned peacefully at home with family on February 27, 2019. As some people journey through life, they leave footprints – of kindness and love, courage and compassion, joy and faith. Even when they are gone, the trail they’ve left behind continues to inspire us.
Annie will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Pallbearers Seth B. Aure David A. Jones Terrence Broussard LeBaron L. King Dartise T. Jones Burrell H. Young, III The family sincerely thanks you for your prayers, kind words and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Ataxia Foundation (ataxia.org).
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