Abyssinia Milan

Abyssinia Sedonia Milan was born on March 2, 1934, in New Orleans, Louisiana to her parents, Elijah N. Mitchell and Anna Jackson Mitchell. She was the seventh child born in the family. She was raised surrounded by brothers, Emile, Ulysses, Curtiss, Alphonse, and her sisters, Anna, Jean, and James Etta. As a child, she would write letters for the elderly as well as write poetry. It was during this time that she and her family would gather around the piano that laid the foundation for her musical journey. Both her parents were musicians and the family formed a local singing group. Music was a big part of the family. Abyssinia was educated in the public schools in New Orleans, Louisiana, and she furthered her education by attending college in San Francisco, California. In the early 60’s, she united in holy matrimony to Francisco R. Milan. They first met at a social gathering in the Rainbow Ballroom in Denver, Colorado. They enjoyed traveling and spending time together. Their marriage was full of love and happiness. She was the proud mother of three beautiful children, Ella Rose, Curtiss, and Kevin. They remember their mother as loving, kind, and nurturing. She took great pride in the care of her family. She was later blessed with sixteen grandchildren, Jameel, Donny, Patrick, Valearia, Antoine, Shavonne, Kia, Ikita, Danyelle, MiJon, Kevin, Jr., Curtiss, Jr., Oliver, Shanika, Brian, and Kesuan, who all were an additional source of joy and pride in her life. They lovingly called her “Honey” and fondly remember how she made them feel loved and welcomed. She later was blessed with nineteen great grandchildren. By profession, Abyssinia was a Professional Music Entertainer. She was with Capital Records and was a singer alongside the late great Etta James. She truly loved being a member of the entertainment community. She was able to meet some of the greatest stars in the music arena to include Diana Ross and the Supremes, James Brown, Smokey Robinson, Earth, Wind and Fire Patti Labell and the “Labell”, The Dells, Fats Domino and many others. When she retired from music, Abyssinia worked for Social Services, Triple “A” Investigations, and the Burrito Revolution. Everywhere employed, she a joy to work around because of glowing and helpful personality. Abyssinia was a fun-loving woman who enjoyed life and those she encircled, her illuminating smile and the fact that she was an inspiration to others will be her legacy that lives on. Her closest friends were “Big Mama” and “Grandma Guadalupe, who have preceded her in death. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful woman. To know Abyssinia was to love her. She is preceded in death by a daughter, Ella Rose; her parents; and all her siblings. Abyssinia Sedonia Milan departed this life on October 10, 2018, in Aurora, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory include her loving and devoted husband, Francisco R. Milan; 2 sons, Curtiss J. Mallory, daughter-in-law, Renee Mallory and Kevin M. Milan all of Denver, Colorado; 15 grandchildren; and a host of great, great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell - 6601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
Visitation: 10/27/2018 at 10:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 10/27/2018 at 12:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 10/27/2018 - Following the Service Pipkin Braswell - 6601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO