Obituary of Evelyn Miller

Evelyn Ashe Miller was born on August 26, 1933 in Columbus, Ga. to Nettie Lue and Ellison Ashe, Sr. Mrs. Miller passed away Sunday March 26, 2017 at the LISVH in Stony Brook, New York. With family at her side she quietly departed this life. At ten years old Evelyn relocated to Detroit, Michigan with her family, where she attended East Commerce High School and later graduated from the Detroit Institute of Commerce. Evelyn was the first African American woman to work for the Detroit Bank and Trust Company. Evelyn accepted Christ at an early age and attended Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbus, Georgia. She had an unwavering faith in God and worked diligently as long as her health allowed. While growing up in Detroit she became a member of and was baptized at East Lake Baptist Church. Evelyn was a member of the Sultry Seven cheer team for East Lake Baptist Church, the Algonquin Tennis Club, and also volunteered her singing and musical talent at the USO. Later as director of the East Lake Baptist Church Choir, she met her future husband Albert Lawrence Miller Sr., who served in the U.S. Army. A courtship and love ensued and they later married in an elaborate wedding in Detroit on July 7th, 1956. The couple then moved to Simmons Street in Copiague, New York in July,1956 where they established their family. Evelyn continued her community service, participated as recording secretary and choir director in her church, and raised a family while physically constructing a new home with her husband on Edmunds Place in Copiague, New York. She was also employed in various bookkeeping and related office activities for various employers and managed the books for the family trucking business. Her entrepreneurial spirit was evident as partner in successful businesses including Miller's Variety Store and La Toot Beauty Salon. Following her commitment to education she also attended Wilfred Academy and Empire State College. Evelyn was a life-long learner with an infectious smile, fortitude and courage. She and her husband have also been compassionate surrogates to many families and young people. Their bond of marriage for over 60 years is one of beauty and family commitment that grew stronger with each passing day and succeeding generations. Evelyn built lifetime relationships with friends and neighbors throughout Long Island. Alarmed by the rate of infant mortality, lack of prenatal care, lack of jobs for youth, political and social inequity in the community, she was motivated to effect change. She sharpened her leadership skills by conducting research and writing proposals to fund and organize community programs, such as Well-Baby Clinics. These clinics were initially housed in the basement of local area churches, VFW halls, local office buildings and eventually in town and County facilities. She also created educational and nutritional programs for youth and seniors. Evelyn was Honored by University Hospital and Medical Center at Stony Brook as a "Pioneer in Suffolk County Health Care" for her outstanding achievements throughout Long Island. "Evelyn has been at the vanguard in the development of Suffolk County's system of neighborhood health centers in establishing the Tri Community Health Center in Amityville, NY." which is still in existence today. Evelyn cultivated friends from the boardroom to "the block" and her enthusiasm and optimism brought joy to many. As director of the Amityville Copiague East Farmingdale Community Center (ACE), she was also responsible for founding and organizing the first annual North Amityville, Copiague, East Farmingdale Community Festival Day and Parade, which continues today. Evelyn led a team which included staff, teachers, one hundred children, over 200 dance ensembles member, senior citizens programs, girl scout troops, PAL participants, nutrition programs, college tours, concerts, community and other talent events. Evelyn stated "There is a great need for parents to take on the role as instructor, leader, decision maker, and disciplinarian. This is also the time for the municipalities to give greater concern to protection for all of its constituents. If these important recommendations are not considered worthy and acceptable for change, we're all in big trouble." She collaborated with members of the community, businesses, and professionals in the medical field and petitioned members of the legislature to get more physicians, medicine and other services for area residents. Evelyn continued to be an advocate for others throughout her lifetime. An advocate for promoting political awareness and involvement of area residents, Evelyn collaborated and campaigned tirelessly and for civil rights, children's rights. Participation "was important for the purpose of growth and development of a homogeneous society which would allow for productivity in areas of mortality, values, education, self-respect, employment and housing." Evelyn was also instrumental in initiating improvement and restoration of Bolden Mack Park, Bethel AME Cemetery restoration, and the Veterans Park in Amityville, NY. She was also successful at securing grants for additional improvements and expansion of American Legion Post 1218. Evelyn was a long-time member of the NAACP. She enjoyed, fishing, bowling, board games, traveling, growing flowers and vegetables in her garden, sewing, cooking, boating, music, dancing and singing. She loved her family, her friends and her community with all of her heart. Her philosophy "education is the key, step out on faith, and you can do anything. I left you the road map, it's up to you to follow it. Do your best." Evelyn is survived by her loving and devoted husband Albert L. Miller, Sr., - Madelyn E. Jackson (Carl), Marsha E. Jackson (Stanley), Albert L. Miller, Jr. (Winsome), Melissa Miller-Cobbs, (Elliot), and Michelle Cobbs (Fredrick). God-Daughter Robin Arvon Williams, Grandchildren Veronica D. Bolton, Courtney D. Jackson, Elizabeth E. Jones (Kibwe'), Albert Anthony Miller, Fredrick Cobbs, Aqyil Randall, Lawrence W. Miller, Andre Cobbs, Slatyre V. E. Jackson, Shirley E. V. Jackson, Asya P. Cobbs, Chyna E. Cobbs, Great Grands Serenity Lee Cobbs and Sara D. Bolton. Sisters Shirley Ashe Wilson (Walter- deceased), Barbara Conner (Jim - deceased), Jacqueline Ashe, brother Ellison Ashe, Jr. (Barbara Ann), Angenette Ashe-Ewing - deceased), Brother-In-Law Nathan Arvon, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousin's, relatives, and friends who will cherish her memory and will miss her presence and kindness.