In 1953, Joan moved with her family to Orlando and settled on Nottingham Street in Orwin Manor. After attending Memorial Junior High and Edgewater High School, she spent a year at Florida State University. Joan began her career in banking at Colonial Bank of Orlando and later Orlando Bank and Trust Company, where she excelled in customer relations.
Joan married William Hamer Milligan (“Billy”) on October 13, 1962, and returned to Nottingham Street, where she lived until moving to Westminster Towers in 2024. Known as the “Sheriff of Nottingham,” she was a beloved organizer and leader in her neighborhood.
A devoted Florida Gator fan, Joan was honored with Billy as a 50-year Gator Booster. Her passions included politics, fashion, and volunteerism. A lifelong Democrat, she and Billy were invited to attend a State of the Union address at the White House.
Joan worked with the Doncaster fashion brand as a home retailer and later as Florida District Manager. She dedicated more than 50 years to community service through the Junior League of Greater Orlando and held numerous leadership roles, including President of the Volunteer Center of Central Florida and UCF Town and Gown. Her service was recognized with multiple honors, including the Summit Award and the “Joan Cayce Milligan I Love the League Award.”


