Millender founded the Gary Historical and Cultural Society and wrote multiple books on the city's history.

[3] She studied English, music appreciation, and library science at Indiana State Teacher's College, receiving her bachelor's degree in 1941.

[6] Millender served as the first editor of the Gary Crusader, a newspaper founded in 1961 and focused on the African American community.

[11] She was inducted into the Steel City Hall of Fame in 2003, which recognizes individuals who "make broad, significant, and multiple contributions to the Gary community or to society at large.

[3] In February 1999, U.S. Representative Pete Visclosky included Millender as one of ten "outstanding African-American leaders" recognized for their "devotion to public service and their ability to inspire future generations.

[13] After her death, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson proclaimed that Millender's "excitement to share her vast learning and wisdom made her one of the most respected and beloved public figures in the city of Gary".

[6] Former Mayor Richard G. Hatcher described her as "a great historian and writer," saying "she single-handedly saved the culture of the city of Gary when the symphony moved to the county".