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Sara McMillan Obituary
October 12, 1949 - January 23, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina - The daughter of Clarence "Bubba" Hutchins Hill and Dorothy Pope Hill, Sally was born on October 12, 1949 on Lilac Road in Charlotte, NC. She passed away quietly in her home on the morning of January 23, 2022 after a long battle with cancer.
Sally was known by many as a supportive agent in the publishing world, having run a successful publishing house located on East Boulevard (which she later sold in the 1980s to Globe Pequot Press). Afterwards, she worked as a literary agent close to the end of her life. Above all, she was a loving and encouraging mother to her two daughters, Dorothy and Sara, and a fun-loving wife of 47 years to Ralph McMillan.
She loved travel, culture, arts, pottery, reading, and was a life-long learner—a trait she passed on to her children. She graduated from Myers Park High School in 1967 where she was a lettergirl and a member of the Ambassadors Club and Young Life. She graduated from High Point University in 1971 where she was a cheerleader, a Phi Mu Sorority sister, and the editor of the Apogee, a literary magazine. Sally earned a Master's Degree in English and Education from UNCC Charlotte in 1973 and worked at UNC Press. She served on the Board of Directors of UNCC and Charlotte Catholic High School. She frequently volunteered for Dilworth Cares, Easy Readers Book Club, Friendship Trays, and Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region.
She was known for her positivity and encouragement and made a genuine impact on so many people. Sally leaves behind her husband, Ralph McMillan; two daughters, Sara McMillan and Dorothy McMillan; sister, Marcia Smith; son-in-law, Paul Ryan; and grandson, Bennett McMillan Ryan.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 24th, at Sedgefield Methodist Church, 2830 Dorchester Drive. A reception will follow the service at Myers Park Country Club.
She asked that donations be made in honor of Sally McMillan to Clayworks, 4506 Monroe Rd., Charlotte, NC 28205 or to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7845 Little Ave., Charlotte, NC 28226.
Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sara McMillan
Kathy Strong
October 10, 2023
I am so sad to just be learning of Sally's passing. She was my first publisher so many years ago and a lovely person. My condolences to her family. Kathy Strong
Randy Alford
January 31, 2023
I was blessed to know this sweet gal while living a couple blocks away in Dilworth. I met her through Ralph and always enjoyed being around her. I never saw her when she did not light up the room. I am sure she is resting in the arms of Jesus
Rob Hall
January 31, 2023
Sally was a special, talented and loving person to many! I remember her smile.
Terry McDonald
February 24, 2022
Ralph,
So sorry for your loss. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you. Cancer needs to be cured.
Rob Hall
February 11, 2022
Ralph and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I had the pleasure of meeting Sally and such a nice giving person and know she has left a legacy of love for you all, her friends and family.
Peace be With you All
Rob
RANDY ALFORD
February 9, 2022
My thoughtsand prayers Ralph!
Dr. Eileen M Kearney
February 8, 2022
Our hearts are with you all. May her spirit continue to shine.
Bill Perkins
February 8, 2022
Ralph, I believe you and Sally were Carol Hagemeyer's classmates at MPHS. Carol spoke of you often. We lived just a few blocks away when you and Sally lived on the corner of Old Reid Road. I know what you're going through because Carol has been gone for 13 years and we were married for 36. My sincere condolences.
Ann Langman
February 7, 2022
My deepest condolences to Ralph and the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers .
MARK ERWIN
February 7, 2022
Ralph, Sara and Dorothy,
Your loss is beyond words. You are in our prayers for peace and grace. Mark and Joan
Susie Culp
February 6, 2022
Ralph, your Sally brought light to each one of us whose life she touched. She was a beautiful person just as you and your girls are. Know our love,
Susie and John
Joni Kearney
February 6, 2022
What a lovely tribute to Sally. Sending love and thoughts to you Ralph and family.
Allen Brooks
February 5, 2022
Ralph, I am so sorry to hear. Lovely lady. Miss those across the street neighbor days. Was just thinking the other day of the roving party between households. I will treasure those times and knowing her and you.
Beth Smith Shuey
February 5, 2022
Ralph and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and hugs
Roscoe Hood
February 5, 2022
Ralph, I am extremely sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed talking with Sally. I'll never forget that I met her at the courthouse in Chapel Hill, back when you and I were in law school.
Ronda Lusch
February 5, 2022
Ralph, Love and prayers to you and your family.
Shirley Ranson
February 4, 2022
I am sending prayers to you and your family.
Arleen Higgins
February 4, 2022
She was legend. Sending love and peace. Arleen Higgins
Mark Zahnd
February 4, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. Sally helped Jack Dillard and me get a book published many years ago. She was a sweet soul and a blessing to have known. I pray for you all to find peace.
John Baucom
February 4, 2022
Prayers of comfort and peace for Ralph and all his family.
Victoria Smith
February 3, 2022
Ralph and family,
May you find peace in knowing that Sally is in a much better place, pain free and amongst loved ones and the Lord.
My deepest condolences to you.
Victoria Smith
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