Charles Benjamin Miller

Charles Benjamin Miller was the first born to the late Benjamin and Alberta Madison Miller on
June 1, 1927 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was educated by New Orleans Public School
System.
At the age of 12, he was baptized at Second Free Mission Baptist Church. As a young man,
Charles grew in his faith and served as devoted doorkeeper of Usher Board #2. Bro. Miller
acquired his carpentry skills from the mentorship of his Uncle Bob and was able to assist his
church community. In 1959, he finished building his own home with the help of family and
friends in Metairie, La.
He later developed a passion for photography by creating his very own dark room for developing
photos in the 1950s. He captured timeless portraits for special events that blessed many families
with memories that will last a lifetime.
Mr. Miller was employed as a Kraft Foods truck driver for over 40 years. He experienced racism
while driving through the roads of southern states. He was prohibited from sleeping and eating at
hotels but was accommodated by Black families along the way. During his tenure, he received
countless certificates, plaques and jewelry for safe driving, attendance and continued years of
service.
Charles met a stunning, young lady from Geismar, La at a Carrollton cleaners in New Orleans.
He gave her a wink and the rest was history. Charles married Addie Mae Jackson Miller on
August 25, 1951. For over 65 years they shared a lifetime of happiness and to this union born
four girls Marilyn, Charlene, Cathy, and Michelle. During Mr. Miller’s 96 years of life, he
experienced The Great Depression, wars, advances in technology and the civil rights movement -
but through it all God’s Grace and Mercy kept him. He kept the Faith, Fought a good Fight and
Finished the course.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Benjamin and Alberta Miller, a devoted wife, Addie
Mae Miller, a nephew to Thalia LeBlanc (Robert) Taylor, Esther(George) Smith, son-in-law
Frank Moran, brother-in-laws Oscar Ruffin, Richard Jackson, Sr, Freeland Jackson, and Robert
Jackson, Sr, and Earl Favorite. Sister-in-laws Brenda Jackson, Elvenia Favorite, and Louise
Jackson. Also, Charles leaves to cherish behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and
friends.
Charles loved his family. He leaves to cherish a close knit bond with his one and only sister,
Ethel Mae Ruffin. Four loving daughters Marilyn Lee Miller, Charlene Marie Miller (Dock)
Voorhies, Cathy Ann Miller Moran, and Michelle Miller (Bernard) Hebert. He was affectionately
called “Pawpaw” by his grandchildren Shantelle (Kendrick) Ashby, Dock (Kristen) Voorhies, III,
April Nicole Moran, and Asiah Olivia Hebert. Great grandchildren Jazlyn Jade Johnson Austin
Alexander Ashby, Dock Kiran Voorhies, and Kingston Jair Voorhies. Great-great grandchildren
Zeniyah Holland. He will be missed by his beloved, first cousin Audrey Gates, brother-in-law
Donald Jackson, sister-in-laws Etta Jackson, Rosa Jackson, Louvenia Jackson, and a godchild
JoAnn Jackson. Also, Charles leaves to cherish behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.