William Vernon Miller

William was the sixth of eight children born to the late Rev. Louis L. Miller Sr. and Cecilia (Yarber) Miller on January 22, 1922, in Brunswick, MS. After graduating from Cameron Street High School in Canton, MS, William was inducted into the armed services where he attained the rank of Sergeant while serving in Okinawa during World War II. After an honorable discharge with decorations and commendations, William married the late Anna J. (Crisler) Miller in 1947, and moved to Reading, PA.

William was passionate about helping others advance spiritually, politically and economically. In 1950, William graduated from the Reading Business Institute, Reading, PA, where upon he formed several businesses including a barber shop, notary public service, tax preparation service, and surety business.

In 1955, William organized the PA Progressive Democratic Association which focused on increasing voter registration and voter turnout. In 1957, William announced his candidacy for a seat on the Reading School Board, becoming the first African-American in Berks County to seek elected office. William was an organizer of the George Washington Carver Post of the American Legion, for which he served as financial officer. Also, for 25 years, William served as Sunday School Superintendent and trustee at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Reading.

William is survived by four children: Mteteaji Mlimwengu (Kinyofu) of Brooklyn, NY; Dwight K. Miller (Susie) of Boston, MA; Dexter G. Miller of Boston, MA; and Gary C. Miller of Reading, PA. He is also survived by grandchildren: Terrance Yancey of Boston, MA; Hasan Yancey of Raleigh, NC; Charles Ellison of Chicago, IL; Corey Steele of Reading, PA; Lisa Steele of Reading PA; Sara Miller of Boston, MA; Mtambuzi Mlimwengu of Brooklyn, NY; Kiwelewa Mlimwengu of Brooklyn, NY; Dexter J. Miller of Boston, MA; William J. Miller of Boston, MA; and Patrice A. Miller of Boston, MA. William is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Of special mention, William is survived by first-born nephew, Claudies Yarber of Oakland, CA; and first-born niece, Velvet G. Miller of Indianapolis, IN.

William was predeceased by siblings: Beulah Miller of Carthage, MS; Richard Miller of Pottstown, PA; Sarah Miller of Milwaukee, WI; James G. Miller of Dayton, OH; Carrie M. Childers of Oakland, CA; Louis L. Miller Jr. of Lincoln Park, PA; and Roosevelt Miller of Reading, PA.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend William's Funeral Service on Tuesday, October 14, 2014, at 12 noon at Bethel AME Church, 330 West Windsor St., Reading, PA. A viewing will be held on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Church. Entombment will be performed at Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reiffton, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to the Bethel AME Scholarship Fund, c/o Pastor Eugene V. McDuffy, Bethel AME Church, 330 West Windsor St., Reading, PA 19601. William V. Miller's online condolences may be sent www.theocauman.com. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/readingeagle/obituary.