Raili Elisabeth (Kataja) Millichamp

Raili Elisabeth Kataja Millichamp, lovingly known as Nana Raili, entered this world on October 28, 1951, in Helsinki, Finland, and peacefully went home to be with the Lord November 25, 2025, at Satilla Bluffs Senior Care, surrounded by love and family.

Born into the Baptist faith, Raili carried a quiet strength and a tender spirit that touched every life she encountered.

Raili lived a life filled with simple joys. She loved attending church and listening to old hymns that brought her comfort. Music, gardening, reading, baking, and nature were woven into her daily rhythms. She had a gift for finding treasures while thrift shopping, tending her herbs, and settling in to watch her favorite shows. Her heart was especially tender toward animals, each one cared for with deep affection.

For 15 years, Raili served as the visual manager at Belk, where her creativity shined and where she built meaningful friendships that lasted well beyond her time there.

Raili’s life was a beautiful tapestry of faith, love, and gentle strength.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, John Millichamp; parents, Leo and Aini Kataja; sister-in-law, Marcy Kataja; and a nephew, Kevin Kataja.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who were blessed to know her including her daughter, Lauren Harper of Nahunta, and her son, Joshua Williams. Raili was blessed with four grandchildren who were the absolute light of her life: Jayden Williams (Madi), Spencer Williams, Rylan Williams, and Case Williams. To them, she was not just a grandmother, she was a constant source of celebration, comfort, and unconditional love. From planning the most thoughtful birthday parties to making each child feel uniquely special, Nana Raili created memories they will hold forever.

Raili is also survived by her sister, Leila Kataja (Brad); her brothers, Tapio Kataja and Ty Kataja (Linda); two very dear lifelong friends, Becky Collins and Janie Johns; nieces, Tonja Kataja of Grayslake-IL, Anneli (Kevin) Powell of Troy-OH, Amanda (Stephen) Qualley of Warsaw-IN, and Kimberly Roberts; several great nieces and nephews: Matthew (Kylie), Kaylee, and Corbin Powell, Isaac and Eeva Qualley, and Nathaniel, Patrick, and Anna Roberts; and several other relatives.

A memorial service will take place Sunday (12/7/25) at 3 p.m. at The Foundation, 105 N. Main Street, Nahunta, GA 31553.

The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Georgia Hospice Care and Satilla Bluffs Senior Care for the exceptional care, kindness, and support shown to Raili and her loved ones.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

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