Sallie Ephraim McMillan, born April 13, 1925, was a beacon of positivity and love, a person with a thirst for learning who embraced taking on new
challenges without hesitation. She was born in Camden, AL, but lived most of her adult life in Birmingham. Mrs. McMillan, whose passion for life was boundless, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Mrs. McMillan was an educated woman during the days when few African American people had the chance to pursue an education. After attending Camden Academy, her hunger for knowledge led her to Knoxville College in Knoxville, TN. In 1949, she proudly earned her degree, leaving the historically black college with wisdom and a passion for teaching. Her career spanned decades and touched countless lives. She was an English and physical education teacher at several schools, including Wilcox County, Westfield High, and Pittman Junior High School in Jefferson County; and Moton High School in Leeds, AL. A lifetime member of the Alabama Teachers' Association, her professional affiliations also included the American Education Association and the National Education Association.

Mrs. McMillan married her devoted late husband, Leon Cornelius McMillan, a native of Burnt Corn, AL, in December 1955. Together they raised one daughter, Carole McMillan Kidd (Porter) of Anniston, AL. In her final days, Carole took care of her mother with love, compassion, dignity, and
tenderness. The emotional connection between a mother and her daughter was always present.

She was a member of the Moody Temple CME Church in Fairfield, AL, where she was the pianist. She would later become pianist for the Southside CME Church until she joined her husband as a member at New Pilgrim Baptist Church.

Her enthusiasm and joy for life knew no limits. She loved music and was an accomplished church musician. She loved to dance, travel, and meet new people, including searching for cousins she had yet to meet. When her daughter and son-in-law bought her a camera, she embraced photography with zeal. Each snapshot held a story, with names, dates, addresses, and phone numbers meticulously recorded on the backs. Late at night, she'd leaf through photo albums, reminiscing about life's marvels and the journeys she so enjoyed.

Mrs. McMillan was quite the family person. She was ever-present in the lives of her only child, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and scores of other relatives and friends. Mrs. McMillan embraced life with vigor. She was the possessor of many interests and was an example of a person who believed that one is never too old to learn new things.

She leaves to rejoice in awesome memories her beloved daughter, Carole; three grandsons, Kovin Michler Kidd (Gina) of St. Johns, FL; Fitzporter McMillan Kidd of Anniston, AL; and Elston Ephraim Kidd of Anniston, AL; three great-grandchildren, Desirae Carole, and Elorac Janae Kidd; and Emmanuel Malijah Kidd. The last of nine children, she is preceded in death by her parents, the late Daniel and Pearlie Ephraim. She is also preceded in death by three brothers: Isaac C. Ephraim, Sr., James R. Ephraim, Sr., and Romey Ephraim; and five sisters, Climmie Ephraim Allen, Lurena Ephraim Harper, Carrie Ephraim Smith, Maggie Neil McArthur, and Rachel Ephraim Bownes Mrs. McMillan was indeed a phenomenal, beautiful woman who earned her well-deserved wings at her daughter's home in Anniston, AL, with her daughter and niece Cynthia Smith by her bedside.