The premature passive of this loving wife, mother, sister, and friend has left our family shocked and broken. No one is ever ready for such a tragic event and the Milam family was no exception. The passing of Tina was unexpected, thus the family was not prepared. It’s hard to ask for help in situations like these, but sometimes life leaves no other options. If you feel it in your heart to give, our family would greatly appreciate it. If not, please think and pray for the family during these trying times.

Tina’s fight began the day she was born. Being born with Spina Bifida, the doctors said she wouldn’t make it past her teenage years. Well, they misjudged Tina. Though she had to make countless trips to Kosair Children’s Hospital and others, her spirit remained unchanged. She found a man that loved her, regardless of her superficial disabilities, and they married. Life presented another obstacle when she became pregnant with her only son, Franklin. Given her condition, she was terrified of what was to come. The doctors told her there was a good chance that the her, the baby, or both may not survive the pregnancy. Again, they underestimated Tina. She survived the pregnancy with a healthy baby boy and a big smile. Life decided to throw another obstacle at Tina and in 2013 her kidneys begin to fail. Shortly after, both kidneys failed and she began dialysis three days a week until her passing. Though she was on a form of life support for years, she didn’t not let that stop her from enjoying life. Over the subsequent years, her health began to deteriorate due to her many health conditions. The fall of this year is when it all caught up. She took frequent ambulance rides to the ER, had multiple stays in the hospital, and too many close calls to count. Tina continued to fight despite the odds. December 8, 2019 is when she began the fight that she would ultimately lose. Years of treatment and fighting had done a number to her disabled body. She fought to the very end; many would have thrown in the towel long before. The medical staff did everything medically possible to preserve her life but her poor organs were exhausted and didn’t want to fight anymore. She passed into the next life surrounded by her husband, son, and sisters who loved her more than she knows. 

Heaven gained a wonderful woman on December 12, 2019. Bettina “Tina” Lee Milam born September 18, 1964 was a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend to many. Her smile and laugh were contagious and she welcomed everyone with open arms. Tina lived her life with strength and joy despite the many adversities she encountered. Her love was selfless and kind. Her heart was one of gold. She never forgot a name or face and was known for her uncanny ability to remember birthdays, events, and stories down to the most minute detail (hence her love of elephants). Tina was resilient and even on her hardest days, she made a point to make you smile. She loved her family above all else. While she will be deeply missed, her family and friends rest easier knowing she is now rejoicing in heaven. Rest easy, sweet angel.

Tina was preceded in death by mother and father Betty and Glen Wood and is survived by her loving husband, Donald “Donnie” Milam; son, Franklin Milam; sisters Terri Bailey, Wendy [Jason] Sage, Tara [Rickey] Decker, and Tasha [Kelly] Coates; and several nieces and nephews. Tina was a native of Bowling Green, KY and graduated Warren Central High School.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to help with funeral arrangements and medical expenses.