Marlene A. Miller

Marlene called Centerville, Ohio her home and at the age of 90, passed away on April 1, 2026. She was born April 17, 1935, in Lewiston, Maine, the daughter of Nelson and Marion Sedgeley. Marlene was the matriarch of the Miller family for over 60 years and, alongside her husband Fred J. Miller, dedicated her life to the pageantry arts.

Marlene and her husband of 53 years, met while touring the baton twirling circuit. They founded baton twirling studios, summer camps for the marching arts, and finally, FJM Inc., manufacturing marching band and performing arts uniforms for institutions around the world. A Hall of Fame inductee for both Winter Guard International (WGI) and Music for All (BOA), her impact on marching activity was immeasurable.

She co-founded the Miller’s Blackhawks Twirling Corps that established a record that is unequalled in the twirling world by winning National Championships every year from 1956 through 1968. Since the 1970s, Marlene was known for her visionary show and costume designs with the Miller Blackhawks, earning a reputation as a trusted designer, advisor, and inspiration to so many. She was also a cornerstone of the success of FJM Inc., helping shape the company and the marching arts community into what it is today. Her legacy will continue to live on through her family and the countless performers, educators, and organizations she influenced throughout her life.

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband Fred and her daughter Mary Lynn Dorow. She leaves to cherish her loving memory, son, Mark Miller and daughter-in-law, Pam Miller; son, Mike Miller and daughter-in-law, Amy Miller; son-in-law, Ted Dorow. Grandchildren Andy, Matt, TJ, Madison, Max, Jack, Caroline and Danny. She also leaves behind two brothers, Steve Sedgeley (Celine) and Carlton Sedgeley (Lucille), and nine great grandchildren.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Tobias Funeral Home on Far Hills Ave, Centerville Ohio, on April 13th at 4:00-8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held April 14th at Church of the Incarnation, 7415 Far Hills Av., at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marlene’s name to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, ovarian.org or 12221 Merit Drive #1950 Dallas, TX 75251.