Sandra Kay Chaney McMillen

January 7, 1945 - July 4, 2026

The WT Band Alumni family is saddened to share the passing of Sandra Kay Chaney McMillen.

Sandra passed away on July 4, 2026, after several years of poor health and a major stroke in June from which she did not recover. A native of Plainview, Texas, Sandra studied music at West Texas State University from 1964 to 1968. She was a vocal major and also played saxophone in the band.

Sandra Kay Chaney McMillen was born on January 7, 1945, in Plainview, Texas, to William and Helen Chaney. She grew up in Plainview and graduated from high school in 1963. Her love for music began at the early age of 4 when she performed a solo for her mother’s study club. Throughout her childhood and young adulthood, she sang in her church choir and became an accomplished musician, playing the violin, piano, organ, baritone saxophone, tenor saxophone, and flute.

After high school, she attended West Texas State University, now West Texas A&M University, where she met the love of her life, Philip McMillen. They were married on August 27, 1965. Sandra completed a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1967, later returning to school and receiving a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy with a second major in Mathematics from UT Arlington in 1980.

Sandra began her teaching career as a choir director in 1968. Over the course of 25 years, she inspired students from preschool through high school, sharing not only her love of music but also a lifelong appreciation for learning. During Phil’s service in the U.S. Army, the couple lived in Alabama and then Kentucky before returning to Texas. After welcoming their sons, John Philip in 1972 and James William in 1974, Sandra was ready to put down roots. In 1978, they bought their family home and settled in Duncanville.

Outside of the classroom, Sandra taught private voice lessons from her home studio at night and served as a beloved Den Leader for the local Cub Scouts for James. Her love for educating children was evident even as a grandmother. She enjoyed reading stories to her grandchildren and sharing her love of musicals, often gifting tickets to Dallas Broadway musicals and other shows they were interested in. Granny always wanted to hear about their musical accomplishments in school band, garage band, and choir shows, and would show up for a front row seat as often as she was able.

Her passion for helping others was evident through her local sororities and community clubs. She was a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, Beta Sigma Phi Cultural and Social Sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Women Educators, Oak Cliff Women’s Club, Duncanville Women’s Club, Texas Music Educators Association, and Lecture Luncheon Club. She held board positions in all these groups multiple times over. In Beta Sigma Phi, she earned the Order of the Rose, the Silver Circle, and Golden Circle for years of membership. She was also Woman of the Year and Chapter Sweetheart. At Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church, Sandra faithfully served as a Deaconess for many years.

In retirement, Sandra joined several mahjong groups, collecting and gifting several beautiful tile sets. She taught her grandchildren and daughter-in-law how to play, creating a family tradition they continue to enjoy together.

Sandra is survived by her husband of nearly 61 years, Philip McMillen; her son, James McMillen and his wife, Hillary; her grandchildren, Cody Hunter, Brittany Adia and her fiancé, John Smith, James Douglas, and Haley Elaine; her brothers, Dan Chaney and his wife, Vicki, and Frank Chaney and his wife, Jill; along with several nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, John McMillen, and her parents, William and Helen Chaney.

Sandra’s legacy lives on through the music she shared, the students she inspired, the family she cherished, and the countless lives she touched with her generosity, encouragement, and unwavering love.