Shirley Jean McMillan

Shirley Jean McMillan, 84, of Bandera, Texas, passed away on August 10, 2024, in Athens, Texas, with family at her side. 

Shirley was born in 1939 to George William McMillan and Vera Cleora (McDonald) McMillan in Crystal City, Texas. She was partially named by her sister Joella who, when asked, wanted the baby’s name to be Shirley Temple! Her earliest home was in the very small town of Asherton, Texas, until the family moved to nearby Carrizo Springs. In high school, she excelled in basketball and track and made life-long friends. She graduated from Sam Houston State Teacher’s College with degrees in art and history, then began her career teaching art to junior high students … first in San Antonio and later in Conroe until retirement. She loved teaching junior high kids! 

After retiring, Shirley returned to Carrizo Springs to live with and care for her widowed mother. Soon thereafter, they moved to Bandera where sister Joella and brother-in-law Glen were preparing to move. Ever the artist from an early age, she quickly had a shop built to accommodate her woodworking craft. Drawings, oil and watercolor paintings, and bronze sculptures were then creations of her past … replaced by exquisite inlaid wood pieces and extensive research of family genealogy. She found fulfillment during her retirement years in a place she adored – Bandera – the country life, the community of friendly people, her many projects, ongoing family get-togethers and visits from friends, and just a short walk from her sister. She was always fun to be around and possessed the knack of keeping her family and friends laughing. She loved deeply and was deeply loved. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-heart Glen Ingram; all her uncles and aunts and many cousins and old friends. She leaves behind her sister Joella Ingram, now in Athens, Texas; nieces Shirley Ingram of Bandera, Diane (and husband Richard) David of Athens, and Sandra Ingram of Athens; all her great- and great-great nieces and nephews; and some good friends.

A graveside service will be held at Bandera Cemetery on Friday, October 18, at 10 a.m., officiated by Sully Woodland and followed by visitation at Bandera Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Bandera Library or to a charity of your choice