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.