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FUNERAL HOME

Guy & Allen Funeral Directors, Inc.

2959 West 11th Avenue

Gary, Indiana

Dharathula Millender Obituary

Name: Viewing for Dharathula Millender
Start: 2016-01-02T15:00:00.000Z
Location: The Genesis Convention Center in Gary

Mrs. Dharathula H. "Dolly" Millender, age 95, passed away on Christmas Day 2015. She was the 6th of 8 children born to the late Mr. Orestes Hood, Sr. and Mrs. Daisy Eslick Hood on February 4, 1920 in Terre Haute, Indiana. All funeral services and viewings will be Saturday, January 2, 2015 at The Genesis Convention Center in Gary, starting at 9:00 am (viewings), 10:00 am (AKA ceremony) and 11:00 am (service). Mrs. Millender or "Dolly" as she was often called, was a 3rd generation Hoosier. She received her bachelor's degree from Indiana State Teacher's College in 1941 and began a long and distinguished professional career as an educator, author and librarian. She received a master's degree in educational media from Purdue University/Lafayette in 1968. She came to Gary in 1960 as librarian of Pulaski School, and early on recognized the rich history of Gary's Central Community, as well as the rich and rare American ethnic diversity of the entire city. Mrs. Millender was Founder/CEO (unpaid) of The Gary (IN) Historical and Cultural Society, Inc. in 1976, and she dedicated much of her adult life to the preservation of Gary's illustrious history, as "Gary's Historian". Gary's founding was and is a story that she told in her three books on Gary's history, and in her numerous cultural, historical and civic activities and programs. Mrs. Millender is survived by her loving daughters, Naomi Millender and Justine Millender (Isaac) Preston, grandchildren Christine Preston and Isaac Preston III, brother Rev. Nicholas Hood, ll (Doris) of Detroit, sister Daisy Estelle Anderson of Buffalo, N.Y., and several nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, admirers and supporters. The Rev. W. N. Reed of Gary will officiate the funeral, and her brother, the Rev. Nicholas Hood, will give the eulogy. Interment is at Evergreen Cemetery, Hobart, IN. Other details about her amazing life, career and legacy will be shared during the funeral, in the program and by public remarks from officials and citizens.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post-Tribune from Dec. 31, 2015 to Jan. 1, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Dharathula Millender

26 Entries

Jennifer Mobley

February 26, 2022

To the family of Mrs. Dharathula Millender:
It is never too late to say thank you. Mrs. Millender was my school librarian at Pulaski Junior High in Gary, IN. She was an inspiration, role model and mentor to each and every student she worked with. After I found out that she had written a book about Crispus Attucks, she may have unwittingly inspired me to become a writer. She was not only an African American educator, but the first author that I had ever met. One of my fondest memories of her is when she challenged Pulaski students to read as many books as possible. After a few of us had read at least 100 books each, our reward for this was an appearance on a radio show hosted at the infamous WMPP Radio studio in East Chicago Heights, IL. Mrs. Millender arranged and sponsored this trip and helped prepare us to answer questions about why we found reading enjoyable. After many years away from Gary, I ran into her at a Dr. King celebration at West Side High School and she still remembered my name. She was one of the most influential adults from my youth. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. May God continue to comfort you as you endure this loss.

Naomi Millender

March 16, 2016

Our MOTHER - DOLLY MILLENDER - loved Gary and Gary's history. Her biggest dream, unfortunately, did not materialize before her passing. However, a committee to save and renovate Gary's Treasure, The Gary Land Company (Gary's 1st building), has been developed in her honor and that of our City and those who built it. Anyone wishing to join this Preservation Committee, may contact Daughter NAOMI MILLENDER (219) 902-0524 or 882-6873 or email: [email protected]

March 2, 2016

Dear Naomi, God bless the memory of your dear Mother and Best Friend, Dolly Millender. All the best to you as you continue a new life without her presence. May she rest in peace.
Love,
Valerie Maglaras Beaudrie
(CCAS/NEIU)
formerly the Chicago Teacher's Center/NEIU.

Delwin Murphy

January 9, 2016

I'll never forget this powerful lady. I meet her very soon after returning from Indiana State University. She was always willing to give a encouraging word, or share knowledge from long extensive experience as an educator, public servant, or life in general. A mighty soldier has gone to a well deserved rest.

Will Hargrove

January 5, 2016

Mrs. Millender was truly an inspiration to me as I began my career years back. She was a fine educator, mentor, and friend whose memory will live on in me and the many students whose lives she touched through the life lessons she presented us in our visits to the library at Dunbar-Pulaski. Blessings to the family...

Richard L. Shivers Jr

January 4, 2016

To the Family of "Dolly" Millender,
"Dolly" was a true professional at her Job and that's really putting it lightly. Deepest Sympathies during your time of Loss and May Almighty GOD Forever Bless and Protect you and your Family Always.

Mary Ann McGee-Dillahunty

January 3, 2016

TO THE FAMILY
Our thoughts are with you in this time of sadness.
May you find comfort in the enduring beauty of God's World,
And in the warmth of happy memories. With the passing
Of time, may the spirit of acceptance and inner peace enfold you.
Mr. & Mrs. Tyrone Dillahunty & Family
Mr. Ronald McGee & Family
Mr. & Mrs. James D. McGee

MR. & MRS. TYRONE DILLAHUNTY

January 3, 2016

Mary Jo (Walker) Jones

January 3, 2016

To the Millender family. My prayers are with you during your time of the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in knowing she is with her Heavenly father and you will see her again.

Soror Tracie, Gerald & Lindsey Simmons

January 2, 2016

To My Dear Sorors & Family,
Wishing you Peace, Comfort & Hope in the midst of your sorrow.
Our Deepest Sympathy

Herbert Quigley

January 2, 2016

What a great librarian and historian to the city of Gary, as well as the state of Indiana, so many of our professional dwellings have been enriched from the roots of this legend and the legendaries of her late sisters Mrs. Ruth Battle, and Gladys Johnson, and her nephew Mr.Rev. H.Battle. to Earnest you have my condolences, you and your late brother were such great mentiors in my growing up in Gary your family volenteerted so much of your time to make Gary a better place, God bless

Gloria Lowe-Walker

January 2, 2016

She preserved Gary's rich heritage, thought it was worth saving, and proceeded to do it because it needed to be done. She will be missed, but her work must continue.

Elmer/Imogene Edwards

January 1, 2016

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Felicia Washington

January 1, 2016

I had the opportunity to be apart of Ms. Dolly's teachings. She was a dependable, determined, delightful, organized, outgoing, outstanding levelheaded leader. She was a good listener . She had a yearning to be the best advocate for preserving the rich history of Gary. Yes she was a great lady. One for the history books. Well done Ms. Dolly! R.I.P.

Dr.JoAnn Betts

January 1, 2016

One of the smartest women I've met next to my Mom. Loved her passion for History which made her foresight,as it related to Gary, immeasurably wise & consistent. Her love for the children, women, & people of Gary,in general, had no limits. Mrs. Millender will be truly missed, but God now has an Angelic soul advocating for her beloved Gary. With Love,Dr.JoAnn Betts

Ella Bush

January 1, 2016

A remarkable lady whose grace, wisdom, integrity, service, and generosity will always be remembered. I pray that the family is comforted by precious memories and knowing that Mrs. Millender was a champion; loved by all. God bless you and keep you in His care.

william

January 1, 2016

I always love to hear Ms. Dolly speak about Gary...

The Ross Girls of Gary, and the ones that moved away

December 31, 2015

To the Family: We share in your sorrow in the loss of Dearly beloved Ms Dolly. She was a true loving, giving, caring and sharing person. She has done so much for so many people and for the city of Gary IN. She is at rest now. may you all find comfort in the precious, loving memories of her.R.I.P. Ms Dolly.

Denise Lee

December 31, 2015

Thank you for your dedication and service to the Gary community. Your family has been a part of my life since I can remember. You are one of Gary' s legends. Your job is now complete on this side rest now in the arms of God our father.

December 31, 2015

On behalf of the "Art's Quality Bakery" family.. we extend our sincere condolences to Ms. Dolly's family.

What an honor it was to have known her. When she would come into the bakery with her arms full of folders, we knew she was on a "mission"... and we gladly obliged.

If everyone had just a small part of her enthusiasm......

Sincerely, Martha, Laura, Lisa, Paula, and Maria

Nancy Johnson

December 31, 2015

I met Mrs. Millender in the early 70's. At that time she encouraged staff at Edison Middle School to take oral histories in order to preserve Gary's history. Over the years we shared many memories together since Merrell and Christine were pianists attending Emerson VAPA. She was such a supportive person and will truly be missed. We pray that the Lord will give you strength in this time of grief.

Twilla Lewis

December 31, 2015

Condolences to Naomi, Justine and the family. I count myself as blessed to have known Mrs. Millenarian. I recall not long ago, her recounting some early community history to me. Her life enriched us all.

Love and prayers to the entire family

Marisa Turner

December 31, 2015

Maria Harris

December 31, 2015

Rest Well

Barbara D Leek

December 31, 2015

My deepest sympathy to Dolly's entire family. I knew her in her many roles in our city, and served with her on the Gary School Board. My memories include hearing about her commitment to Gary and her love for her family--her grandchildren in particular. She lived a full life and left us all an amazing legacy.

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