Fredericka Inez (Sherrill) Miller

Fredericka Inez Miller was born on January 11, 1932, in Asheville, North Carolina, a city in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. She was the first-born daughter of Claudia (Hallam) and Booker T. Sherrill. 

Fredericka attended Allen Elementary School and Allen High School in Asheville. After graduating from high school and spending time in Frankfort, Kentucky, at Kentucky State College (now KSU) she moved to Chesapeake, West Virginia and lived with her grandmother, Inez Crider, until she was admitted to West Virginia State College (now WVSU), in 1955.  When she enrolled at the College in Institute, West Virginia, it was there she met and married her life partner and husband, Manuel T. Miller, at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina; they had been together since 1956.

Fredericka’s life exemplified commitment to family and community.

She was a career woman, an educator, but above all, was committed to her family first. Fredericka was so excited about their first child, Marquis, that she bore another, Steven, eleven months later. After moving to Ohio a few years later, they were blessed with a third son, Gussie. While living in Lebanon, Ohio where Manuel got a job working at the Cincinnati Defense Area facility, they made great friendships with families like the Mills’ and Singletons, whom they enjoyed tremendously.

After the family moved to Columbus, Ohio when her husband was reassigned to “The Depot,” now DCSC, Fredericka began her career at the Bexley Public Library as a library aide. After she was pregnant with Gussie, she went to the Columbus Jewish Center as a pre-school teacher. She later joined Columbus Public Schools as a fulltime teacher.  

Fredericka’s life exemplified achievement.

She worked for the Columbus Public Schools for over 20 years.  She was truly a committed, passionate educator whose attention and dedication to her students, garnered her promotions and recognition. 

She taught Social Studies and Black History at Mohawk Jr-Sr High School and was promoted to Instructional coordinator.  Upon receiving her master's degree from The Ohio State University in educational leadership, she began her work as an administrator at Walnut Ridge High School, and shortly thereafter became an assistant principal at Independence Jr-Sr High School.  She was then transferred to Eastmoor High School where she worked as assistant principal until her retirement in 1989.

Fredericka’s life exemplified care and thoughtfulness.

She was a lifelong learner and traveler, and an active leader in numerous civic and social organizations. After retirement, she continued her work with her friends and acquaintances, in the Leisurettes; her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha; the West Virginia State Alumni Club; the Allen School Alumni; the Pinochle Bugs Social Club, and; the national couples group, Cups & Saucers. 

Through the Pinochle Bugs (she played a little pinochle in her spare time) and Cups & Saucers, she and Manuel traveled all over the world, and made great friendships with families like the Peerys, the Gomers, the Walkers, the Alexanders and the Collins, to name just a few. Her friends were like her family and she hosted them as such.

On April 21, 2018, Fredericka answered God’s call after a valiant effort to overcome her medical complications.  Her family and friends are saddened by the loss of their beloved friend, soror and confidant.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Manuel T. Miller; three sons, Marquis (Pamela) Miller, Steven Miller, and Gussie Carlton Miller; grandchildren, Janae, DeLon, Jordon, Jazmin, Nathaniel and Alexandria; great-granddaughter, Ava; nephews, Gene Harris, James, Nathaniel and Robert Motley, and Ricky and Randy Green; nieces, Ann Shearer, Fredericka Christmas, and Angela Waynes; cousins, Clifford and Lydia Hallam; and a circle of extended family and friends she held very dear.  Preceded in death by her mother, Claudia; father, Booker T.; and sisters Betty Jean and Claudia.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Asbury North United Methodist Church, 1586 Clifton Ave., where the family will receive friends after 10:00 A.M.  Pastor Michaela Jasper officiating.  

Acknowledgment

The family of Fredericka I. Miller wishes to express their sincere appreciation and deep gratitude for the many expressions of love and comfort shown to them at this time. Friends and family give us strength at this time of sorrow. Faith in God gives us hope for tomorrow.

Her family and friends have designated the American Cancer Society for memorial contributions. Please go to:  https://www.crowdrise.com/in-memory-of-fredericka-i-miller

Flowers are also welcome, preferably from April’s Flowers 614-488-5949.

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