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John Miller

1947 - 2016

John Miller obituary, 1947-2016, Newport News, VA

BORN

1947

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Weymouth Funeral Home & Crematory

12746 Nettles Drive

Newport News, Virginia

John Miller Obituary

NEWPORT NEWS - Senator John Miller, 68, passed away on Monday April 4, 2016. A lifelong public servant and advocate for children and education, John was also a much loved husband, father, and grandfather who left an indelible footprint on this earth. Born in Bryn Mawr, PA, John grew up in Chicago and graduated from Northern Illinois University. He then moved to Hampton Roads where he began his career in journalism with WVEC-13. During his 18 year tenure, he held a variety of roles including reporter, anchor, and news director. His weekly documentary news program, Focus, earned several national awards. Following his career in broadcast journalism, John served as a top aide in the United States Senate to Senator Paul Trible. Upon returning to Hampton Roads and WVEC-13, he and Sandra Parker greeted the region daily on Good Morning Hampton Roads. He also held key administrative positions with public broadcasting station WHRO and Christopher Newport University. John was elected to the Virginia State Senate in 2007 and worked tirelessly to ensure that every child in Virginia receives the best education possible. He led the General Assembly in reducing the number of SOL tests and most recently carried successful legislation to redesign high school education to better prepare students to be a part of the 21st century workforce. He earned the "Solid as a Rock" award from The Virginia Education Association for his commitment to public education and was named "Policymaker of the Year" by the Association for Career and Technical Education. The Virginia State Reading Association also honored John by naming him their "Friend of Literacy" and he is the only legislator to have received this award twice. He was also devoted to improving senior citizens' voting rights, bi-partisan redistricting, and enhancing veterans' quality of life. In addition to John's accomplishments in the General Assembly, he was equally impactful in his community. He was a past president of Peninsula READS, which provides literacy skills necessary for adults to function more effectively in their lives and community. John was also a member of numerous boards and committees. Some of these include the FoodBank of the Virginia Peninsula, the Newport News Youth Commission, the Downtown Hampton Child Development Center, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth, and People to People, an organization dedicated to improving race relations in Newport News. One of his most rewarding endeavors was his two decades as an umpire for the Warwick Little League. Although his strike zone was small, it was consistent, and he was as respected on the diamond as he was everywhere else. John is survived by his beloved wife and partner, Sharron; daughter, Jenny Kitchen and husband Mark Brockway of Potomac, MD; son, John Miller and wife, Mary Peyton; grandson, Isaac of Houston, TX; mother, Yvonne DuChateau of Morton Grove, IL; sisters, Joan Miller of Green Oaks, IL and Lisa Ross and husband, Steve of Sycamore, IL; brother, Robert of Chicago, IL; sister and brother in law, Beth and Gary Walls of Newport News, VA; brother and sister in law, Jim and Corrie Crickenberger of Monkton, MD; mother in law, Betty Crickenberger of Newport News, VA, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 7, 2016 from 4:00-8:00pm at Weymouth Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00am on Friday, April 8, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Denbigh, 3628 Campbell Rd., Newport News, VA 23602. Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation http://www.vecf.org/home/about/about-the-vecf.aspx or Peninsula READS http://www.peninsulareads.com. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.

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Published by Daily Press on Apr. 6, 2016.

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Felix Justice

October 29, 2025

We met exactly twice when I was reading from the speeches and sermons of Reverend King on the college circuit in Virginia. I would say we spent a half hour together in total. And yet, Sen. Miller and Mrs Miller as well kept in touch with me over the fifteen years left in his life, always gracious and kind. It is disappointing and painful to be living in a moment of political toxicity such as we are. Senator Miller“s efforts at reconciliation in the name of a common humanity seem slandered.

John Aikin

April 5, 2023

So many memories of our days at WVEC TV. John is still with us in all those stories and adventures we shared. Best wishes to all his friends and family.

Pastor Preston Jordan, Trinity Baptist Church

March 31, 2023

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. We miss Sen. Miller very much. Take care.

Carol Davanay

March 31, 2020

We were just talking about John recently! I recalled the first time I met him. He was still in broadcasting and he and his colleagues were doing a remote from McDonald's Nursery when it was still in Hampton. They all sat on an elevated dais and ask I walked by, trying not to make eye contact, John stood up and extended his hand saying, "Hi! My name is John Miller. What's yours?" I was so impressed that he cared enough about me to greet me, I was immediately a devoted fan! I had never supported a politician before but when John began his political career, I was IN! And he never disappointed anyone! When asked on this form what my relationship with John was, wasn't everyone he met an instant friend? His integrity, character, humor, wit, love of family and friends, intelligence and compassion are dearly missed, especially in these times. Every time I saw him or even heard his name mentioned, he brought a smile to my face as I am sure he did others. If only we all would use his exceptional qualities as a template, this world would be a much better place. God bless John because HE blessed us with you!

Jamie Avery

April 2, 2019

It's hard to believe it's been 3 years since your passing John. It has been interesting times to say the least. I'm sure you would have stood tall and performed the job you were elected to do which is to take care of your constituents. I'm sorry you missed your Cubs World Series victory.
Jamie

Shirley T Wells

April 1, 2019

I have thought of John often, especially during all the recent political turmoil. He was above reproach, respectful, knowledgeable and so very kind. His passing left a big void that is hard to fill. I hope the example he set will inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Carol Davanay

March 31, 2019

John was just the epitome of what a public servant should be! He was willing to compromise; deal; and make the hard decisions that he was elected to make. But so much more than that, he was a force of nature; one of the kindest people you would ever want to meet and no one loved his family and friends more than John. I was thinking about him just last week - what a void his passing left. But he is watching over us and we shall always cherish the time he gave to everyone.

MargaretAnn Phillips

May 5, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. Sen Miller was a perfect example of what we wish for in the political world. What a wonderful role model! May it help in some small way to know that so many others share your sorrow. With sincerest sympathy.

GARY W. KELLY

April 11, 2016

I met John when he started to attend the Newport News City Democratic Committee.
He later made an attempt for the 94th House of Delegate seat.
Sometime later he went for the Virginia Senate seat, of which he succeeded.
About that time my situation was changing due to other outside developments which caused my departure from NN.
Although, the situation kept changing, I received more communication from John than I ever received from the actual elected officials within the district of my precinct.

Now John is legislating in a "higher" House.
You were indeed blessed.

Diana Call

April 10, 2016

A honor meeting you <3

Diana Call

April 10, 2016

A great man . I met him thru CNU and he dined at the Warwick numerous times . Gone to soon you were loved by all RIP. My love and condolences to Sharron and family.

pam and tom szynal

April 10, 2016

Dear Sharron and family, It has been many years since we last saw each other but we wanted you to know that we share your sadness. A a retired teacher I applaud John's plans to reform our educational system and I sincerely hope that it comes to pass. I know that he will continue to live in your heart and memories.

Kerri Ulmer

April 9, 2016

Sharron and family, I was so sadden to hear of Johns passing. What an awesome man ,he will be missed!! My thoughts and prayers are with you !

April 9, 2016

Gerrymandering brought Senater John Miller into our lives. We made the effort to get to know him. We found him approachable, considerate, and concerned about not only his constituents, but of all Virginians. He was the perfect person to be in the General Assembly. He was willing to work across party lines for the well being of all. Unfortunately for us, Gerrymandering removed him as our Senator but we continued to support him because he was the kind of person that should be in the General Assembly helping to solve Virginia's problems. For his family, the loss is much greater. To them, please accept our sincere sympathy.
Barry and Pat Hood
Williamsburg, Virginia

April 9, 2016

Gerrymandering brought Senator John Miller into our lives. As our Senator in the General Assembly, we made an effort to get to know him. We found he was very approachable, considerate, and concerned about the well being of not only his constituents, but of all Virginians. We found him an outstanding legislator and were saddened when Gerrymadering removed him as our Seantor in the General Assembly. Despite no longer being in his district, we continuted to support him because he was the type of legislator all constituents would hope they had. Please accept our sincere condolance upon the lost of this wonderful man.
Barry and Pat Hood
Williamsburg, Virginia

Rita Cenname

April 9, 2016

Dear Sharron and family,

On Monday morning, April 4th, I was standing outside the VA Senate Chamber showing my granddaughter John's picture, pointing out where he sits during sessions and telling her what a truly genuine caring person he is. So I was so shocked to hear about his death the next day and so sad knowing the pain you are all experiencing from the absence of a wonderful husband and father. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know John and especially for all the good laughs we shared at CNU. I am also grateful for his tremendous passion for our youth and his commitment to their education. He was such gift!

God Bless you and and know I will keep John and you all in my prayers.

Stephen Hancock

April 9, 2016

We have lost a person who truly served the people....and a marvelous friend.

betty jolly

April 8, 2016

John Miller was one of the good guys; it's not just that he was inherently interested in being fair, being smart, being honest: he was kind. And he will be so very missed by everyone who knows how rare that is and how much it is to be desired. For our future. God bless his family and thanks to them for sharing him with us all.

Lisa Tolbert-Black

April 8, 2016

To the Miller Family my prayers to you all in your time of sorrow. May god's love surround you all. Mr. Miller holds a special place in many hearts.

April 8, 2016

April 8, 2016

To the Miller Family,

We were deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him in 2006 before he was elected State Senator. John was surprised that I remembered him from his days at WVEC News. What a remarkable man and State Senator.

He will definitely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Our deepest sympathy,
Bill & Pat Bullock

Kim Hinson

April 7, 2016

Dear Sharron and family,
I had the pleasure and honor of working with John as an intern at WVEC and at VASC for many years. John touched the lives of many with his compassion, intelligence, dedication and good humor. May happy memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. My deepest condolences.

Thursa Crittenden

April 7, 2016

To the Miller Family,
We were deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. John was such a fine and caring person. He will be sorely missed.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
With love and sympathy,
Flora, Thursa and Tommy

Phil Martin

April 7, 2016

To the Miller family I offer my sincere condolences. Although I didn't know Senator Miller personally, I was able to speak with him when I called his office late one evening to leave a message. I was so shocked that the senator personally answered the phone I almost forgot my message. I was finally able to discuss my issue and thank the senator for his obvious dedication. We were all very fortunate to benefit from the service of this honest and noble public servant, and benefit also from the Miller family's support and sacrifice that made his service possible. Undoubtedly Senator Miller will be greatly missed.

Phil Martin
Constituent

Ellen Aikin

April 7, 2016

Dear Sharron and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of dear John. What a remarkable man. I first met John when he was a reporter at WVEC. I remember his happiness as he looked at you lovingly at your wedding. He was always an ethical man in all his endeavors - at WVEC and throughout his political career. He sincerely loved his family, friends, and community as they loved him. God bless you all in this time of sorrow. He was a very good man.

Randy & Martha Elder

April 7, 2016

Sharron, our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.

Khater & Marcella Abdelhady

April 7, 2016

Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
May Johns memory be eternal.
R.I.P

Carol Davanay

April 7, 2016

My first memory of John was when he and Sandra Parker were hosting a summer open house at McDonald's Nursery in Hampton. I happened to walk by the raised platform they were sitting on and as I walked by, John stood up, reached over the edge and offered his hand to shake. He looked me in the eye and said, "Hi. I'm John Miller. Who are you?" From that point on, whatever John Miller did for a living was just fine with me. I was honored to have supported him in all of his political endeavors. He was a man who continued to amaze and impress us with no thought of glory or aggrandizement to himself - a man in politics who was not a politician. John and Sharron were an indomitable team - God bless their family and friends.

April 7, 2016

My condolences to the Miller family. I've known John since his early days at 13 NEWS. He was a consummate professional, a trait he carried on to his political life. His passing is everyone's loss. RIP John.
-Jamie Avery,
Yardley, PA

Michael Coburn

April 7, 2016

So shocked and sorry for John's passing. I have known him since his TV days since he joined the umpiring crew about that time. I am a retired Warwick Little League umpire who worked with John on the field many times. More often, I'd have the plate after his game so I'd come early to support him. We loved kidding each other. He will be missed.

John Aikin

April 7, 2016

Dear Sharron and Family,
Please accept my family's sympathy at this time of great sadness for us all.
John was a great friend and advisor during my entire adult life in the United States.
Since 1971, John was like an older, wiser brother to the camera crews at 13 News.
Although I will miss John for the remainder of my adventure in the USA, he will always be close in my thoughts.
My sincere Regards to you All.
John Aikin

Shirley T Wells

April 7, 2016

Sharon, I'm thinking of you and so sorry for your loss. John was one of the nicest men I've ever met. It was a pleasure working with him in Newport News for many years. He made everyone feel special, and he cared deeply about so many things. He earned the respect of everyone he met. God Bless.

Theressa Parker

April 7, 2016

A compassionate man who fought for the citizens he served

April 6, 2016

My sincere condolences to the Miller family. A true honest politician. He will be sorely missed.

Carol Johnson

April 6, 2016

Sharron & Family,

I met John while working on Senator Trible's staff. John was a true gentleman, generous, brilliant in his position for the Senator and a caring & selfless friend. Everyone loved John ... in any situation you would first see his warm smile. He always kept his composure when the going was tough and he instilled a sense of calm within the staff. He looked you in the eye and made you feel that you were on equal footing with him. We enjoyed working with him and knowing him as a true friend. All of the staff loved his sense of humor. I could go on and on ...
We really had wonderful times together and now have grand memories.

I feel blessed to have known John and in having him as a friend. The world would be a better place if there were more individuals like him. I am certain the way he lived his life makes his family proud.

John left a path for the rest of us to follow ... it was an honor to have known him.


Sending my heartfelt sympathy,

Carol Johnson

JOSEPH & LEZERIA MARSH

April 6, 2016

IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW, MAY YOU BE BLESSED WITH FRIENDS WHO CARE, FAITH THAT UPLIFTS, AND MEMORIES THAT COMFORT.DEEPEST SYMPATHY

Betty Ann Hatzidakis

April 6, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers go to Sharon and the rest of John's family. They are never truly gone, always filling a place in our hearts.
Prayers for strength during this difficult time.

From All of Genie's Children
Debi Babcock, Betty Ann Hatzidakis, Sonne Babcock and Danny Babcock

April 6, 2016

I will miss you John. You were a great man & a great human being. You will truly be missed.

Eddie Hiller.

Pat Smith

April 6, 2016

Sharron,
I extend my condolences to you and your family in the loss of your beloved John. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. God Bless You All.
--NN VCE/Master Gardener Secretary, Retd.

Gina Hudson

April 6, 2016

Senator Miller will be missed. All of us who knew him are better for the opportunity.

Kitty and Terry Heffington

April 6, 2016

Sharron and All Family,
All of you have our deepest sympathy. Working for and with John was one of the highlights of my career. He was a fabulous boss and friend. He was always willing to help out with any of our endeavors. Special memories include his love of education, politics, the Cubs, baseball in general, good food and The Battlefield Band. He made work fun for all of us and was respected by everyone. This is a tremendous loss for the peninsula and the entire state. We share your grief and all of you will remain in our thoughts and prayers during this time. God Bless.

Barbara Overby Stevens

April 6, 2016

Sympathy and prayers to the Miller Family. He was a great news reporter and I enjoyed his time with WVEC-13.

Betty Kranz

April 6, 2016

No finer gentleman to work with; he captured, for his staff, the joy, laughter, and wit of the long and hard days of the General Assembly. Thank you, my friend. Sharron, my prayers to you and those you hold most dear.

Faye Cordle Keenan

April 6, 2016

God bless this family, his community and the Commonwealth of Virginia as we all grieve. The value John added to bettering education for the youth and children is immeasurable. We are saddened by the loss of this great family man, statesman and journalist.

April 6, 2016

RIP to a good friend and mentor. The honor was mine.
Dottie Wikan

Pastor and Mrs. Preston Jordan Trinity Baptist Church

April 6, 2016

To Sharron and the Family:
You are in our thoughts and prayers. What a remarkable life Senator Miller lived. What an outstanding human being he was. I will always remember when he was in "campaign mode" and you and Senator Miller visited our church. You both stayed for the entire service. You both made it a point to come back and visit even outside of the campaign season.
Senator Miller made it a point to host roundtables with area pastors at local restaurants to update us on the actions in the Senate. He kept us informed and listened to our concerns. He was always gracious to us.
After his first election, Senator Miller invited me to offer prayer in the Senate chamber. Whenever he sent me a mailer, he always included a handwritten note.
I know I am one of many persons who hold your husband in high esteem for the all the things he has done for so many people.
He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
On behalf of Mrs. Jo Jordan and the entire Trinity Baptist Church family, may God be with you and comfort you during this time.

Sincerely,

Preston Jordan
Pastor
Trinity Baptist Church
Newport News, VA

Mark Ailsworth

April 6, 2016

Dear family,
Please accept my sincere condolences. I am equally grateful for John's outstanding public service and his friendship. Several years ago, when he made his first run for public office, I had occasion to interview John on behalf of a Peninsula business organization. Only minutes after our meeting began,it occurred to me that I had become the interviewee! Always curious, always a reporter, John made my hometown and my native state a better place. Thank you for sharing him with Virginia. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

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