Eugenia Howie "Smith" Milford

Eugenia Smith Howie Milford, 94, of Abbeville, died Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Self Regional Healthcare.  She was born in Abbeville to the late Daniel Townsend Smith and Eugenia Coleman Smith formerly of Greenville, SC.  She was twice married, first to the late Franklin Stokes Howie and second, to the late Col. Harry B. Milford.

Mrs. Milford was a 1940 graduate of Abbeville High School where she was the school mascot of her alma mater.  She was employed by the Abbeville County School District for 23 years as secretary for the Greenville Street Elementary School and was the lunchroom supervisor.    Mrs. Milford was a charter member of the Entre Nous Book Club, the founding club of the Abbeville Cotillion Club.  She was a gracious, genteel and elegant lady who was admired and respected by everyone who knew her.  Playing bridge with her friends was a significant hobby.  Mrs. Milford was an active member of Main Street United Methodist Church.

In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Townsend Smith of Charlotte, NC, and Hemphill Smith of Charleston, SC.

Mrs. Milford is survived by her son Tom Howie and his wife, Patti of Abbeville; three daughters, Gene Butler and her husband, Grady of Abbeville, Ruth Bacon and her husband, Dave, of Abbeville and Hannah Lind Dias and her husband, Mel of Greenville; eight grandchildren, David S. Bacon (Debbie) of Woodstock, GA, Sam Butler (Sabrina) of San Diego, CA, Carrie Butler Elwell (Kevin) of Apollo Beach, FL, Tom Bacon (Michelle) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Tige Howie (Jackie) of Columbia, SC, Sarah Lynne Howie (Lamar Williams) of Greenville, SC, Dr. John Mark Dias of Greenville, SC, Clair Dias (David Stone) of Portland OR; and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1:00PM to 3:00PM on Sunday, February 11th at Harris Funeral Home in Abbeville.  Funeral services will begin at 3:00PM on Sunday in Main Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Brian Arant officiating.  There will be a private burial.

The family is at their respective homes.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Mrs. Milford, may be made to UCMAC Free Medical Clinic, PO Box 502, Abbeville SC 29620.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Abbeville, is assisting the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eugenia Howie (Smith) Milford, please visit our floral store.





Please click here to view the video tribute