Doris McMillan

Doris Jean McMillan was born in Dallas, Texas, on September 1, 1941. The youngest of four children, she was raised in a loving, close-knit family that nurtured the generous and caring spirit she carried with her throughout her life.

She attended Southern Crest Baptist Church and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas. With a passion for beauty and a deep desire to serve others, Doris trained in cosmetology and opened her own hair salon, where she formed lasting friendships within her community. Her nurturing nature later led her into caregiving, where she loved and tended to children with tenderness, patience, and unwavering devotion. She shared a particularly deep and enduring bond with Colin and Amara Durham and their children, Jackson (Kate) and Zoe (Geoff) Durham, who became like family to her.

Doris expressed her love through generosity and hospitality. Whether gathered around a lively card game or enjoying one of her cherished pecan or sweet potato pies, time spent with her was filled with warmth, laughter, and a sense of belonging. She had a special gift for bringing people together and creating joyful memories that would last a lifetime.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Winell Bradford; her sister, Mary Kinney; her brother, Charles McDonald; and, most heartbreakingly, by Derrick Abrams and Jaden McMillan. Doris is survived by her son, Derrick McMillan; her grandchildren, Brittany Abrams, Denarrion McMillan, and Brian Jackson; and her great-grandchildren, Denarrion McMillan Jr., D’Kaylnn McMillan, and Vermeare McMillan. She is also remembered with deep affection by her niece, Shawndra Allen (Lee); her nephews, Gary Kinney Sr. and Gary Kinney Jr. (Fatimah); and a wide circle of extended family members and dear friends whose lives she touched with kindness and love.