Ima Jean (Couch) Milam, age 88, departed this life on August 15, 2024 at her home in Cleveland, Georgia.  She was born in Bonnyman, Kentucky on November 22, 1935 and was a resident of the community until 2015.  She was the daughter of Daniel Couch and Maude (Campbell) Couch.

In addition to her parents, Ima Jean was preceded in death by son Joel David Milam; best friend and sister Marie C. Wooton, and husband Robert "Bob" Milam.  She is survived by sons Robert Michael Milam of Elkton, Florida, Paul Milam of Helen, Georgia, Tim Milam of New York City, and Phillip Milam of Cleveland, Georgia; brother Kenneth Couch and sister-in-law Pauline Couch of Typo, Kentucky; special friends Barbara Arlington of Elkton, Florida and Bernardo Siaotong of New York City; and a host of relatives, friends, and former students.

Ima Jean attended Eastern Kentucky University.  She was a dedicated teacher and taught for decades in the Perry County Kentucky school system where she inspired students at many schools including A. B. Combs Elementary and Blue Diamond Elementary.  Her teaching experience included time in a one-room schoolhouse.

Faith played a major role in Ima Jean's life and she followed the teachings of the Bible.  For many years, she attended church at The Church of the Living God in Typo, Kentucky at which her husband was pastor.  She found inspiration in the Serenity Prayer:

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."

The services for Ima Jean Milam will be held on Tuesday, August 20th at the Engle-Bowling Funeral Home in Hazard, Kentucky.  Visitation will take place from 11am-12pm and the funeral will be held from 12pm-1pm with Pastor Kenny Smith officiating.  The burial will follow at the Couch Cemetery at Forked Mouth, Kentucky.