Mother Herise C. Boykin Miller

Herise Catherine Boykin Miller was born on March 31, 1927, to Alonzo Louis Boykin, Sr. and Eliza Boykin in Ida, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters; Hazel Boykin Martinez, Bernice Boykin Tyson, Gloria Boykin, and three brother; Cortez Boykin, Alonzo L. Boykin, Jr., and Elridge Boykin. At one time, they were all members of St. Stephen Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. At the age of twelve, Herise was baptized by the pastor of Bright Morning Star Baptist Church located in Ida, Louisiana. She worked in the Sunday School Department, Baptist Training Union Ministry, and sang in the choir. She relocated to Kansas City, Missouri in 1947, and through Christian Experience, joined St. Stephen Baptist Church in 1950 and there, she became a member of the Young Adult Choir. In 1954, she left Kansas City and moved to Seattle, Washington. While in Seattle, she joined New Hope Baptist Church, Reverend C.E. Williams, Pastor. She worked with children in the Sunday School Department and sang in the choir. In 2002, she returned to Kansas City, MO and reunited with St. Stephen Baptist Church, under Pastor Eric D. Belt. Herise graduated from Central (Colored) High School and completed two (2) years of college, studying nursing in Shreveport, LA.. She worked for ten years in Kansas City, Missouri, as a medical receptionist for Drs. D. Madison Miller and Andrew James. She also worked for Dr. Minkove as a medical receptionist in Seattle, Washington, for 20 years. In 1957, Herise met and married the love of her life, Earl Miller, and remained married until his passing in 1983. Herise loved children, even though the two never had children of their own; however, she has a host of nieces and nephews throughout the country, whom she loved dearly. On Sunday morning, September 9, 2013, The Senior Services Ministry at St. Stephen’s Baptist Church, recognized Mother Herise with the “Portrait of a Pillar of the Church Tribute,” (what a great honor!) And on November 17, 2012, Herise was awarded the Unsung Octogenarian Citizens Award, sponsor by the TJB Foundation, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri, another great honor. In addition to those accomplishments, she founded two neighborhood organizations: "A Widow's Club" and "Help A Neighbor," which helped those in the neighborhood with home repairs. Herise was so full of life, she was never at a loss for words, it was effortless to converse with her for hours on end. Her sense of humor, words of wisdom, wittiness and upbeat personality made everyone feel special and loved. She often referred to many as "Baby Doll" and "Sweet Thing," which were two of her favorite terms of endearment. Herise consistently affirmed that her priority in life was God, and she frequently encouraged others to "say your prayers!" Her hobbies were gardening, shopping, reading, exercising, and listening to talk radio. She was also an avid sports fan; her favorite football team was the Seattle Seahawks. Most who knew Herise, will remember her impeccable and astounding sense of style. Her favorite bible scripture was Matthews 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” and one of her for favorite songs was “Trouble Don’t Last Always.” She leaves to cherish her memories: a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces, great nephews, her first cousins; Eunice Dixon, Frank Boykin, Ann Haugabook, and Lawrence Boykin, other relatives and friends throughout the country. The family of Mother Herise Catherine Boykin Miller is grateful for the legacy bestowed upon them. Her light will continue to shine through everyone who knew her, and her spirit lives on! Funeral Service will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023, 11am at the Watkins Heritage Chapel. Interment XII Gates Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 10am-11am at the chapel. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. https://www.facebook.com/LABNIFICEN T?mibextid=ZbWKwL

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