by Allan Lengel
Judge Beatrice Millender is described as a no-nonsense jurist. Beatrice Pennie Millender, a Detroit 36th District Court judge for nearly two decades, died Saturday morning at 68 of natural causes. The Detroit Free Press reports she died of natural causes. Pennie was one of those unique individuals who had an absolutely infectious, irresistible, delightful personality, wrote Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood Sr., who confirmed the death on his webpage. In high school, Pennie was the life of the party! As we matured and aged, Pennie never lost her wonderful spirit. Millender served 17 years on the bench after being appointed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in 2003, She presided over real estate and civil cases.
Beatrice Pennie Millender, a judge in Detroit’s 36th District Court for 17 years, died Saturday morning at age 68, her family confirmed.
Born in Detroit to World War II veteran and lawyer Robert Millender and his wife Louise, Beatrice took after her father in their matching pursuits to foster the youth and ensure justice for all.
A graduate of Southern University and the Detroit College of Law, Millender was appointed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to the 36th District Court, the largest district court in the state, in 2003. There, she served as the presiding judge for the real estate and civil division.