Sandy Miller, 84, of Gainesville Florida went to be with the Lord on February 16th. Born in Ocala, Florida and raised in Treasure Island, Sandy is best known for her years as a coach and educator. She was a devoted friend and mentor to many.

Sandy graduated from Boca Ciega High School, St. Petersburg College, the University of South Florida, and the University of Georgia. "Coach" was a trailblazer in the Florida community college athletic system and worked at Santa Fe College (at the time Santa Fe Junior College) in many roles.

Sandy led the very first National Junior College Athletic Association (NCJAA) sanctioned team at Santa Fe College during the 1979-80 season. During her leadership, the first two years the team was 32-6 and earned multiple honors including state runner up. Her career at Santa Fe included teaching courses for the physical education and first-year student experience departments in addition to coaching. As times changed at Santa Fe in the 1980's and across college sports, Sandy wore many official and unofficial hats such as: assistant softball coach and faculty advisor for club volleyball. She served the Florida community college system (now called the Florida College System Activities Association) as the Women's Basketball Chair and the NJCAA Assistant Region Director during the 1980's.

Sandy was inducted into the FCSAA Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 and that Santa Fe College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012. In addition to that, the FCSAA's mental attitude award for women's basketball is named the Sandy Miller Award.

Each year, this award winner is chosen from all the Florida State College teams nominees and given to the women's basketball student-athlete in the FCSAA who best exemplifies strong academic and athletic performance paired with a community service commitment to impact.

During her retirement, Sandy spent many years serving the Meadowbrook Homeowners Association and was active in her church, Wesley United Methodist and part of establishing Celebration United Methodist. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Aldis A. Miller. She leaves behind many valued friends, students, and mentees. Long time friends Paula Edney (Alabama) and Lori and CW Green (Gainesville) held a very special place in Sandy's life and were invaluable in their love for her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Forest Meadows Funeral Home (725 NW 23rd Ave) on Tuesday, February 24th at 11 a.m., with interment to follow at Forest Meadows Cemetery Central (4100 NW 39th Ave).

The Celebration of Life is aptly named as this would have been Sandy's 85th birthday and she is now enjoying her birthday with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Santa Fe College Athletics in Sandy's memory via the Santa Fe College Foundation at 3000 NW 83rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606 or at this link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/santafecollegefoundation

Arrangements have been entrusted to Forest Meadows Funeral Home, (352) 378-2528, 725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32609.