Sandra Ellington
Sandra Ellington, 80, of Beaumont, died Friday, September 30, 2022. She was born on December 22, 1941, in Wichita Falls, to Dorothy Estes and William McKinley.
Sandra was a longtime educator and principal with Beaumont ISD and retired after more than thirty years. She was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church. After retirement she became a life coach and owned her own business. Sandra was committed to ensuring all children had an equal opportunity to succeed. She will forever remain a loving mother and Grammy.
Survivors include her daughter, Julie Zajdel and her husband, Ben, of Plano; grandchildren, Connor Krumnow and his fiancée, Sami Chambers; Grayson Krumnow; and Michaela Henderson; brothers, Bill McKinley and his wife, Sharon, of Canton; and John McKinley and his wife, Cindy, of Chapel Hill; sister, Kathy McKinley of Canton; nieces and nephews, Emily McKinley, Reagen and Dale Adair, Mandy and Jim Landers, Matt and Tina McKinley, and Heath McKinley. She will be especially missed by her faithful four-legged canine companion, Murphy.
She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Michael Henderson.
A gathering of Ms. Ellington’s family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., with her memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont. Cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.
Committal
Broussard’s Crematorium
- 5150, Stivers Dr, Beaumont, TX, 77705,
I worked with Ms.Ellington when she was principal of MacArthur Elementary in BISD. She was a delight to work with and always had a beautiful smile. I know she was always concerned about the welfare of her students and staff. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. I feel fortunate that our lives crossed paths.
Mrs Ellington was a wonderful person. She was my 5th grade principal back in the early 90’s. She had a heart of Gold. Breaks my heart to hear of her loss. May she Rest In Peace !
She was a lovely person, active at Trinity UMC, caring about everyone. When she was principal at Regina Howell she was very kind to my daughter. We both will always appreciate and remember Sandra for that kindness.
What a wonderful person. I met SANDRA over twenty years ago as she was teaching a class I was taking for my Master’s degree. She evolved from a mere teacher to me, to a mentor and eventually a friend. She had so much passion for educating students in our community. She was my biggest cheerleader, as well as a cheerleader for my school, Hillcrest Elementary. She helped guide our school from struggling to an A campus. Sandra, thanks for your support, friendship, mentorship, positivity, and most of all, that infectious smile. I will really miss you!
Her smile says it all! Beautiful, talented, and caring.
Sandra was a gracious lady with innumerable talents and skills. One of the greatest was her ability to make one feel special. Her smile was infectious, her wit sharp and delightful. She will be greatly missed and her life was a blessing. We were most fortunate to have known her even for a little while.
Sandra was one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. It’s been decades since I last saw her but she left an indelible imprint. What a loss for all who knew her but what a gain for the angels. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
As a fellow Wichita Falls Coyote, we shared many memories. We were also fellow teachers and Principals. Those memories are special also. She was a caring. Ailing person and will be missed.
Suzie Glenn
Heaven has certainly received another angel. I never saw Sandra without a smile. What a hardworking and caring lady she was. And I mean lady because she always looked so beautiful, even going to the grocery store! You shall be missed on Earth, Sandra but welcomed in Heaven.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Sandra’s passing. Her influence went beyond the realm of education. Sandra had a gift to make people feel special. I always felt fully loved and fully accepted in her presence. I am grateful to have known her and to have been the recipient of her love. She was a beautiful person, one I will never forget.
I will forever remember our first encounter as we worked to improve educational practices over 16 years ago. Your model of genuine love and passion will remain instilled in my heart as I strive to walk in your shoes as a true champion for enhancing the lives of ALL children. Condolences to the family. Dr. Ellington will truly be missed.
May GOD’s love comfort and strengthen the family, friends, and co-workers of this phenomenal woman and an exceptional educator.
Sorry to hear of Sandra’s passing. There was not a better advocate for children. She sincerely believed all children deserved an opportunity to get the best education and worked tirelessly to follow through.
Enjoyed the years we were principals in BISD as she was always available to lend a hand in any situation. She will be dearly missed.
I was so sad to hear of her passing. She was a loving and supportive principal to me while working at MacArthur’s 4-5 campus. We also developed a friendship beyond that time. I recently worked with her at Pietzsch-McArthur when she was working as a Principal supporter and I was working with reading/language arts teachers. We greeted each other often at Elite Pet Resort when we dropped off our pups. She was always a loving friend, confidant, and leader. I knew that I could always count on her to advise me when I needed direction. She will be sorely missed.
Sandra always had a kind word and a sweet smile. I looked forward to seeing her each time she came to West Hardin. The education world has lost a great one.
Sandra was a delight to be around with an infectious smile and a sly sense of humor.
She and I made each laugh often and repeatedly.
Rest with the Lord my friend.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Mrs. Ellington.
She was truly a loving and sincere beauty with a huge heart for others. We shared such great memories over our morning coffee. She loved CIS and was a great mentor to me. I’ll forever be grateful for her guidance and love.
Forever & always in my heart I will treasure you Mrs. Ellington!
Sandra Ellington is a gentle soul I will always remember. She was very approachable ànd had a beautiful smile that would light up the entire room. I thank God for her service with Beaumont ISD and the community of Beaumont, TX. Rest well my friend.
Sandra will always be with us – her love of learning, teaching and leadership has been contagious permeating all of the lives she touched. We can best honor her passing by sharing her knowledge, skills and compassion with others we encounter. I will begin each day seeing her smile and shining personality and live each day dedicated to motivational mission. Prayers for all family, friends and colleagues! Steve
Deepest sympathy to Mrs. Ellington’s family. She has been a champion for years and have a great zeal for excellence. When she hugged you, you felt her genuine care and concern. She will be greatly missed.
Mrs.Ellington was a very sweet lady she always had a bright smile it was nice to know her .May she R.I.P sending prayers to her family.
Sometimes a hero comes along. Sandra was one of those heroes to so many. Each person she interacted with felt her love, was inspired by her energy, and was amazed by her commitment. She believed in people and the capacity of people to make a difference. She believed in kids, their teachers, and their leaders. She made a difference in our world with her kindness, grace, and compassion. As an adopted member of the lead4ward crew, she was always there – cheerleading, teaching, and making a difference. Condolences to Sandra’s family and to all who, like me, mourn the loss of an amazing human.
Sandra was a great mentor to me and taught me a lot about reading testing data as a principal. She was one of the sweetest people I ever worked with and a good friend. I will miss her smiling face and kind heart.
This world is a better place because of Sandra Ellington. Her infectious smile, never ending encouragement, and brilliant words of wisdom have undoubtedly motivated and inspired thousands of educators across the state of Texas. There is not a better friend, mentor, coach or teacher that has existed in this lifetime. Her commitment to loving and caring for people was evident in everything she did. She leaves behind a legacy of giving grace, leading with enthusiasm and inspiring others to greatness. Sandra lived life to the fullest, following her faith with joy and optimism, and always looking for an opportunity to serve. We will miss you in the interim, my friend, but we will see you on the flip side. We love you forever!
Mrs. Ellington was so sweet. She always gave me compliments and baked blueberry and banana nut bread for us in PE. Her sweet smile and loving words will be missed. Sending love, condolences and prayers to her family.
I am so sorry to hear about Ms Ellingtonś passing. Iḿ going to miss her too. She always gave her best in everything and was an inspiration to me. Iḿ sending prayers for her family and friends that they will find comfort and love as we all mourn the loss of this classy and kind lady.
My sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Ellington. She was a such dear friend, mentor, prayer partner, encourager and I could go on and on. She will be missed at Vincent Middle School by the staff as well as her students. You would find her daily walking the halls, speaking and encouraging everyone who passed her. Things will not be the same around her without her presence. Rest well my Mrs. Ellington.
Love always!
Sandra was always gracious and kind to others. Her leadership and advice was always given with sincerity and out of love. She will be greatly missed.
Brett Johnson
Sandra was so sweet to all of the teachers and students at Vincent. I will miss her beautiful smile and kind words to me that she shared everyday as
I passed the library. In pray that she rest in love and peace!
To my dearest Sandra,
You will forever be loved and missed. My life will not be the same without your words of encouragement and that beautiful smile as you greet the students and myself. Your friendship and guidance from day one has been a pure joy. I will always remember yours words from our visit of “I love you and take care of yourself”. You’re in my heart and I will continue lead and love by your example.
Mrs. Ellington shared the library at Vincent with me. We instantly liked each other. She made me feel as if I was her favorite, though I’m sure she made everyone feel that way with her friendly smile, warm hugs, and delicious blueberry and banana nut bread. She was greatly loved by many, including me.
“It is with sincere sympathy and condolences I share in the passing of Sandra Ellington. Sandra and I first met about 20 years ago in the Port Arthur ISD, where she served as an educational consultant. Upon meeting her, we connected instantly, sharing our passion for educating students. I learned so much from Sandra and had the pleasure of facilitating several educational presentations across Texas and to various school districts in southeast Texas. I am thankful to have known this GREAT lady!”
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Sandra Ellington- truly a gift to educators and children everywhere
I knew Sandra first as a parent when her children were in my music class. Then she was my principal for a number of years. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her. Prayers for her family and for Murphy.
I am so very sorry to hear of Sandra’s passing. We were principals at the same time. Sandra was always kind and encouraging to me as we worked with so many children. She was an exceptional principal and trainer for many educators around Southeast Texas. I will miss her smiling face.
Sandra was such a dear friend and mentor to so many of us in the years we worked with school improvement in multiple school districts. She loved her family more than anything….she will be missed
I’m am so sorry to hear of Sandra passing.
Sandra was a beautiful person, inside and out .
She was always so kind to everyone. She will be greatly missed Heaven has a wonderful new star!
A true friend who always had a smile for everyone she met!
What a loss…I am so very sorry. I loved your mother she was such a sweet woman. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.
So sorry to learn of Sandra’s passing.
Prayers for all the family.
Sherilyn Goodman
Beaumont Association Retired Teacher President
I work at Vincent MS and met Mrs. Ellington when she began working with our student last school term. Such a lovely lady and so dedicated to our students. She always had a smile and kind words for everyone. She will be greatly missed by her Vincent Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
I work at Vincent MS and met Mrs. Ellington when she began working with our student last school term. Such a lovely lady and so dedicated to our students. She always had a smile and kind words for everyone. She will be greatly missed by the Vincent Staff and students.