Eartha Mae McMiller

Eartha Mae “Brown” McMiller was born on February 28, 1946, to parents, Belton Brown and Mary Lee Whitaker in Apopka, Florida. She attended Phyllis Wheatley in Apopka, Florida. Eartha became a mother at an early age and placed her education on hold to raise her family. Years later, she returned to school to complete her General Education Diploma in Orange County Public Schools. Her love for children inspired her to become a Head Start Teacher Assistant and renewed her desire to obtain an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Education, from Seminole State College. During her primary years, Eartha was taken to St. Paul AME Church by her grandmother, where she began her initial relationship with God. In her mid-twenties she fully surrendered her heart to the Lord. Eartha continued her spiritual growth and tutelage under the leadership of Pastor Vella Onesia Hickey McMiller, which ultimately led to her becoming well-versed in the Word of God, as well as her start in ministering the gospel to others. In her pursuit of continued spiritual growth, Eartha attended the International Bible Institute and Seminary, where she received her Ministerial Credentials as an Ordained Minister in 1988 under the leadership of Dr. Glenn Tyler. Eartha began having Sunday School in an office space at Taylor Apartments in Apopka, Florida and this led to her becoming the Pastor of Mission for Jesus. Although this was a small congregation, God used Eartha to do an amazing work in the community. Eartha used this platform and was a trailblazer in sharing the gospel through street ministry. “If the people won’t come to church, I will take the church to the people! ”Eartha believed in fasting and praying for God’s wisdom and guidance when leading His people. Not only did she share the gospel, she also provided food and clothing resources to the community at the Sharing Center, she established under God’s direction. Eartha’s obedience to God impacted many lives in the community and she will be remembered for the love that she showed to anyone who knew her. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren dearly and continuously covered them in prayer. Eartha was preceded in death by her parents: Belton Brown and Mary Lee Whitaker; and brother, Bernard Brown. She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving Children: Reginald McMiller and Cynthia Woods, Winter Garden, FL; Grandchildren: Reginald McMiller, Jr., Oakland, FL, Crystal McMiller, Orlando, FL, Christopher McMiller, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Diamond McMiller and Joseph McMiller, Luther and Jocelyn Priester, Johns Creek, GA; Chester (Dorthy) Woods; Great Grandchildren: Luke and Jack Priester, Johns Creek, GA; Ava and Ephraim Woods, Orlando, FL; Brothers: Joe Madison Curtis Whitaker (raised by Eartha); and Sister, Deloris Madison; Goddaughter, Morgan Star Josey, Eustis, FL; Special Grandchildren: Vasek McMiller and Kimberly Matthews; along with a host of loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Eartha Mae McMiller

February 28, 1946 - August 13, 2023