Carstella Miller

Born into this life on September 18, 1926, in Chidester, Arkansas, to the late Rawleigh and Reasie Marks, Carstella Marks Miller peacefully passed into the loving embrace of the Lord on Sunday, January 11, 2026. She is now joyfully reunited with her beloved sisters, Stella Mae and Daisy “Ida,” and her brothers, Ennis, Ellis Henry, and Otis.

On February 22, 1942, Carstella was united in holy matrimony to Henry Miller in Chidester, Arkansas. Together, they began a life of faith, family, and perseverance. The couple lived briefly in Carthage, Arkansas, before returning to Chidester so Carstella could be near her mother for the birth of their first child, Calvin. Shortly after his birth, they returned to Carthage, where Portia Ann and Seth Bana were born. In 1951, the family relocated to Rockford, Illinois, where they would build a lasting legacy.

Upon arriving in Rockford, Carstella and Henry were blessed to purchase their home at 1129 Green Street, where they faithfully raised their children until becoming empty nesters. In later years, Carstella found great joy in farming and gardening, harvesting a wide variety of vegetables—something she loved deeply and continued as long as she was able.

In her early working years, Carstella was employed as a maid for several families and later worked as a dishwasher at Ross Restaurant on State Street in Rockford. Unwilling to endure unfair treatment, she courageously sought better opportunities and began what would become a long and faithful career at Amerock in Rockford. She worked there for over 22 years and retired at the age of 62, 37 years ago.

Carstella was a woman of energy, discipline and determination —never one to sit still. She loved farming, gardening, walking, and staying active. While living in Rockford, she enjoyed going to the YMCA and was an avid sports enthusiast and league bowler for many years.

She adored cooking and baking and was especially known for her legendary cornbread—truly “the best this side of Heaven.” As was often said, all of Rawleigh and Reasie’s girls were gifted cooks who knew just how to stir the soul through food.

A faithful servant of God, Carstella was a devoted member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Rockford, Illinois, for over 55 years. She served faithfully as a choir member, Stewardess, and during session of Chicago Annual Conference, she was consecrated to the Office of Deaconess in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Her final and most cherished role was that of Deaconess, proudly wearing her gray garb each Sunday. She held deep pride in her church and her service.

On September 5, 2021, just weeks before her 95th birthday, Carstella moved to California to live with her daughter Portia and her husband Ron. There, she united with Blessed Family Covenant Church, a loving congregation who embraced her as the queen she truly was. The love she felt for them was returned in full measure.

Those closest to her knew how deeply she loved her new life in California. She often remarked that she was living her very best life—full of joy, laughter, and purpose. She cherished the care, patience, and devotion shown to her by Portia and Ron, whom she lovingly described as unmatched blessings. Even into her later years, she continued her two-mile walks with Ron, embodying strength, resilience, and grace. She embraced vibrant fashion and color, radiating a contagious smile and youthful spirit.

Carstella leaves to cherish her precious memory and to celebrate her homegoing, two devoted children: Calvin (DeSatra) Miller of Rockford, Illinois, and Portia Ann (Ron) Sparks of Carson, California; Daughter-in-law Joyce Miller, Atlanta Georgia. She was a loving grandmother to eight grandchildren: Dax (Daz) Miller, Shawn (Dennis) Douglas, Tiffany (Roshown) McLeod, Calleen Bird, Derrick Charles, Lynette Miller, Calvin Miller, Jr., and Sharell Flores.

She was further blessed with eighteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves to cherish her memory two step-grandchildren, Da’Mon (Savannah) Ferguson and Dathian Ferguson; three step great-grandchildren; one beloved godchild, Marty Blake; along with a host of loving relatives and dear friends.

Special acknowledgment is given to Blessed Family Covenant who helped her renew her youth by their love and support. Special mention to Gilbert Jefferies for his concern of meeting her at her car to usher her to her seat on Sunday mornings.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rawleigh and Reasie Marks; her husband, Henry Miller; her son, Seth Bana Miller; her grandchild, Derrick Bernard Peyton; and her siblings, Stella Mae Gulley, Ennis Marks, Ellis Henry Marks, Daisy “Ida” McDonald, and Otis Marks.

Carstella was a fighter until the very end. She defeated cancer more than two decades ago and never looked back. With grateful hearts, we thank God for allowing this beautiful life to bloom among us—a life that blessed so many with kindness, warmth, and love. We will forever cherish her memory and rejoice in knowing that she has gone to the home prepared for her in Glory.

“The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” —Job 1:21

A funeral service will take place at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, 3000 Rural St., Rockford, IL 61107, on February 7, 2026, at 11:00 am. The final resting place will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8000 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115, on the same day. A repass will occur at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church following the services.