Elia “Bea” Milligan

On May 6th Elia Milligan joined the ever growing population of centenarians.

Born on May 6, 1916 in Egan, Louisiana, Elia was the 4th child of 9 children born to Joseph and Belzire Sensat. Sometime in her 20’s she moved to Texas and then found and married Theo Milligan. Together they raised their family in Seadrift, Texas their 4 children include: Johnnye Joy Williams of Victoria, Texas, Phyllis Dierlam of Seadrift, Texas, Henry “Hank” Milligan of Gonzales, Texas and Donald Milligan of Austin, Texas.

Elia is in excellent health and still lives in her home alone in Seadrift, Texas and is able to attend to her daily needs on her own. Her daughter Phyllis helps her with shopping, cleaning, some yard work and various things. Phyllis and other family members check on her on a regular basis.

With her family and friends on Saturday May 7th, she was honored with a celebration of her 100th birthday at the home of Shane and Vicki Dworaczyk, (granddaughter) in Seadrift, Texas. The celebration was attended by nearly 100 guests of family and friends.

Elia’s day started off with a little pampering from her great-granddaughter Heather Shimek Marburger of Edna, Texas, owner of Bohemian Blush, a mobile Salon and Boutique. Heather treated Grandma to a day of beauty by styling her hair and make-up so she could be ready for her special day. Thanks to Heather for providing her time and service!

She was then greeted by her family and friends and received a Birthday Blessing from Father Tommy Chen of the Catholic Church. Elia has been a active member of the Catholic Church of Seadrift until last year by her own decision she gave up her keys to drive. A very kind and genuine person who our Grandma just adores, Becky Gray, a lay person of the Catholic Church, comes on Sunday to bring her Holy Communion. Special thanks to Father Tommy Chen and Becky Gray for kindness and services they have provided.

Grandma said her secret to a long life is a positive attitude, being thankful to God and she prays the Rosary every day; with great enthusiasm she plans to keep going as long as the Good Lord keeps her here.

Grandma’s family is still growing today and we want to acknowledge all of them as part of the family. There are 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren, too many to list each name. Family members traveled from various area’s of Texas to be here for the celebration but her grandson Jason Milligan travelled all the way from Martin, Tennessee just to be here for her 100th Birthday! Thanks, Jason for your long journey to be here with us!

The day was very special for her and her family and we want to thank everyone who came out and celebrated with us!!
-Shane and Vicki Dworaczyk