Mattie Sherryl Miller

She was a graduate of Bransford High School, in Springfield, Tennessee and received her Bachelor’s degree in secondary education and English from Tuskegee (Institute) University, in Alabama, and Master’s degree in Education, Language Arts, from Indiana University – Bloomington, with certification in Counseling, and Administration. She received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from University of Southern Indiana in 2006.

Mattie’s teaching career began in Evansville at Lincoln High School, and continued at Harper Elementary (K-8) Elementary School, EVSC Reading Clinician, Glenwood School “Right to Read” Project Director, F.J. Reitz High School (Counselor), Plaza Park Middle School, Assistant Principal, and Harper School Elementary School, Principal, retiring in 2001, after a total of 43 years in the EVSC.

Known as a local, state and national strong education leader and supporter of students and teachers, she has served as ETA, ISTA, and NEA elected Board of Directors member, she was sent to France and West Africa as teacher representative to visit and study schools.

She served as an Adjunct instructor of Multicultural Education at the University of Evansville, and an English Composition instructor at Ivy Tech Community College, after retiring from EVSC.

She was a 57-year member of Liberty Missionary Baptist Church, serving in the choir, Sunday School teacher, volunteer director of the first Tutoring Program, and chairperson of Scholarship Committee.

Her Community Active Leadership roles and Honors included, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, (Zeta Zeta Omega Chapter) President, Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) elected retired council member, Mayor Weinzapfel’s Education Roundtable member, Evansville-Vanderburgh County Retired Educators – President, ISTA and ETA Human Relations Director, ISTA Minority Affairs Committee Retired Representative, Evansville African American Museum Special Projects Volunteer 2010, National Education Association (Board Delegate), CYPRESS (Jewish Council) Member, American Association of University Women Board (AAUW), Holly’s House Board Member, Evansville Fire Merit Commission, Evansville Rotary Club Member, President Reagan’s 20 Years appointment to United States Selective Service Appeals Board, Lilly Endowment Leadership Education Fellow, I.U. Bicentennial Award Recipient – Indiana University, Indiana “Sagamore of Wabash” – Governor’s Highest Community Service Award, Kentucky Colonel, University of Southern Indiana Doctor of Laws Honorary Degree, USI Phenomenal Woman of Year, Leadership Evansville Lifetime Achievement Award 2010 Inaugural, and University of Evansville Teachers Hall of Fame 2019.

Mattie was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, William E. Miller.

She is survived by her son, Kori E. Miller; nieces, Dr. Deborah Golden, Dr.Vernita Brooks McIntyre, and Dr. Brenda Turner. Her nephew, Dwight Brooks preceded her in death.

The family would like to give special thanks to her caregivers, Barbara Chambers and Charlotte Hester, and Heart to Heart Hospice.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2022, at Memorial Baptist Church, 645 E. Canal Street, officiated by Rev. Adrian Brooks and Rev. Todd Robertson, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Friday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Evansville African American Museum, P.O. Box 3124, Evansville, Indiana 47713.