Vernice G. Miller

Vernice Miller, affectionately called “Bea” by family and friends, entered into eternal rest on Saturday March 11, 2023, in Norwalk where she’d been a long-time resident.

Vernice was born September 6, 1939, in Farmville Virginia to the late Vernell and Maggie Gibson. She was educated in Farmville Public Schools before relocating to Norwalk, Connecticut.

She was previously married and from that union became Mother to 3 children; James Miller Jr., (predeceased), Charles Miller, and Faith Lane. Vernice was a loving and committed mother to her own children and joyfully continued in this legacy with her grandchildren as well as great grandchildren. She loved her family and was lovingly called “Aunt Bea” by a host of nieces and nephews and even some friends; many of whom will cherish the memory of having lived or spent a summer with “Aunt Bea”.

Vernice worked twenty plus years for Burndy Corporation, holding various positions before her retirement. She worked for several years for the Stamford Unemployment Office before joining Nathaniel Eli Head Start Program in Norwalk. In 1997, in this role, Vernice completed her training and was credentialed through the National Head Start Association where she would provide social support and family services to the surrounding community. She loved supporting and building relationships with the children and families, as well as the staff, and was regarded as a loving and well-respected mother figure. You’d often hear community members speak of cherished relationships and bonds created with “Ms. Miller” who was even known to assist families with their annual tax preparation and filing; further reflecting her love for family and community.

Vernice was a long-standing member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Norwalk, where she served over forty-five years as a Senior Usher. She was a loyal member in any capacity that she served in. Having received rewards and plaques of recognition for outstanding service and dedication, she was committed to her service with the Fairfield County Unit Ushers where she served with great pride and honor. With fond memories, a niece recalls the reason she became an usher stating, “I used to watch Aunt Bea press and starch her uniform and polish her white shoes.”

After relocating to Raleigh, North Carolina for some time, Vernice became a member of Faith Missionary Baptish Church of Raleigh, under Rev. George A. Jones. She was a faithful member at FMBC until her return to Norwalk where she would soon renew her membership with Mt. Zion Baptist Church, now under Rev. James Newman. She loved the Lord and enjoyed her service in the church and involvement in her community. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter 92 where she served as Financial Secretary for many years. In her free time Vernice loved to cook, bake, and spend time with family and friends.

She leaves to cherish two children; Charles Miller of Bridgeport CT and Faith Lane of Norwalk, CT. Also, Peggy Burden of Ansonia CT who she cherished "as a daughter”. Six grandchildren; Charles Miller Jr., Charmaine Spencer, Renee Williams, Lashaunda Canty (Michael), Jamisha White, and Jazmine White. Sixteen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephew. Vernice is survived by her sisters Rosa Mae Gibson of Farmville, Va., Madelean Holcomb of Norwalk, CT; Clara Johnson (Bruce) of Farmville, Va., Anita Jones (Jack) of Petersburg, Va., and her brother Floyd Gibson (Naomi) of Farmville, Va.

Vernice was predeceased by her Father Vernell Gibson and Mother Maggie Gibson, a son James Miller Jr., a brother Thomas Gibson, and a sister Adele Gibson.

Friends are invited to greet the family on Monday March 20, 2023 from 100:00 till 11:00 am in the Mt. Zion Church, 96 South Main Street in Norwalk. Services will be held at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Norwalk. The Raymond Funeral Home in Historic Norwalk has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit; www.Norwalkfh.com to leave an online condolence for the family.