By Esther Alexander

The matriarch of the Miller Family, the Inland Empire's most well-known sports dynasty, has passed at the age of 77.

Carrie Miller was born July 9, 1929 in Pomona Park, Florida.  She was the wife of Chairman Emeritus, Deacon Saul Miller, Sr. for 51 years.  From this union came five beautiful children: Saul Jr.,  Darrell, Reginald, Cheryl, Tammy Lindsay, and Sandra Harris.  The Millers were residents of Riverside, California for over 45 years.

After completing Central Academy in Florida, Carrie graduated from Grady Medical School in Atlanta, Georgia.  Mrs. Miller worked in almost every hospital in the Riverside area and loved helping and caring for people.

Mrs. Miller served as mistress of ceremonies for the Family of the Year for three years.  She was truly an eloquent lady and loved being involved in community and church activities.

The Millers have served at Loveland Church, under Pastor Chuck Singleton for almost twenty-five years.

After many years of being cared for at home by her faithful husband and caretakers, Mrs. Miller departed this life and entered eternity, going home to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, early Sunday morning, April 15, 2007.  Her husband  said, "I know there's a Heaven, and I know Carrie's there.  So I will just say 'so long,' not goodbye; I'll see you in the morning."

Mrs. Miller left countless precious memories to be cherished by her survivors; her husband, six children, seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, two brothers, one sister, three sisters in law and two brothers in law and many, many other relatives and friends.

The chairman of the Loveland Deacon Board, Myron Hester said, "Mrs. Miller was a caring, committed, mature believer in the Lord and an exceptional example for women of all ages.  She was truly a pillar in the community, which was evidenced by how she raised and influenced her children."

Viewing will be held Sunday, April 22 from 1:00 until 4:00 at Acheson & Graham Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside.  The homegoing service will be held Monday, April 23 at 10:30 at Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 1910 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Riverside.  She will be laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery.