Autrey Faye Milligan

Autrey Faye Caldwell was born on June 4, 1943, in Brazoria, Texas to Lucinda and Willie Caldwell, Sr. She was delivered by her paternal grandmother, Lizoria Caldwell, and was the third of eight children. She grew up in a close and loving nuclear family, as well amongst an extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Faye accepted Christ at a young age and became a member of Greater St. Paul Baptist Church of Brazoria, Texas. She graduated as salutatorian of Charlie Brown High school in 1961 and went on to attend Prairie View A&M University where she majored in nursing. She transferred to Incarnate Word University where she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Autrey married Earl Lee Wright Jr. on September 27, 1964. To this union, three children were born: Arlene, Darius, and Adrian Wright. Autrey was the epitome of motherhood. Her unwavering ability to give of herself to her children was boundless and she prioritized them in every aspect of her life.

Autrey was an accomplished professional. During the course of her career she received numerous awards and rose to become an administrative director of nurses – a job which required her to travel throughout the country extensively. She retired from Regent Care Center after working more than 40 years as a nursing administrator, having provided decades of care and service to countless patients and invaluable guidance to countless nurses. 

Autrey married Paul Milligan in 1993. They enjoyed traveling and entertaining family and friends in their home. Autrey created a welcoming home that was a warm and impeccably decorated showplace. 

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church provided Autrey with a church home and family. She truly loved attending services and participating in Bible study. She established many significant and enduring relationships as a member of Antioch.

Autrey lived a life full of joy, which was enriched by her many treasured relationships. She adored her extended family and her dearest friends. Autrey loved family reunions and celebrated holidays to the fullest; often being one of the first to hit the floor line dancing. She loved to dress up and was surely a woman of style. Her pastimes included reading, traveling and shopping. But she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren more than anything else in life. She would participate in anything involving her grandkids whether that be school events, performances or sporting activities. She loved to decorate her house for the holidays and loved big holiday meals. She always made sure everyone got exactly what they wanted for Christmas – you could never give her a list too long. Whatever was on the list, she was going to get it.

Autrey is preceded in death by her parents: Lucinda Caldwell and Willie Caldwell Sr.; her brothers: Robert Caldwell, Eddie Caldwell, Curtis Caldwell and Andrew Caldwell; and her sister Ruthie Mae Wood. She is survived by her brothers: Willie Caldwell Jr. and Ralph Caldwell Sr.; her daughter Arlene Evans (Milton) and her sons: Darius Wright (Erica) and Adrian Wright (Patricia); her grandchildren: Donnell Joseph Sr., Isaiah, Darianna Elisabeth, Adrianna, Maya and Darius Jr.; and her great-grandchild: Donnell Joseph Jr.