Joyce

Miller

Joyce H. Miller of Rutherford, NJ, affectionately known as the "Silver Fox" passed away on Tuesday, September 1st, 2015 at St. Mary's Hospital in Passaic, NJ. She was born to the late James and Ethel Hendricks and raised with her siblings, James (deceased) and Carol. Joyce attended Rutherford public schools and graduated from Rutherford High School, where she became the first black twirler with the Rutherford High School Marching Band. Also, during her high school years, she sang with the choral group known as the "Suburban Teen-Timers" under the direction of John Dickens. Joyce Miller was educated at West Virginia State College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Following college, she was hired by the Paterson Public School System to teach 8th grade. She taught grades 5-8 music and prepared all eighth grade classes for graduation. Joyce was a recipient of the state's prestigious Thomas Kean, "Teacher of the Year Award" for her outstanding service as an educator. She retired from the Paterson School System after thirty-five years of service in June 1994 and became a member of the New Jersey Retired Educators Association (NJREA). During her teaching tenure, she was a member of the Paterson Education Association (PEA), New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) and National Education Association (NEA). Joyce's community involvement went beyond her career as an educator and she devoted herself to the work of the Student Aid and Counseling Committee (SACC), founded by her Uncle and Aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hendricks. The SACC was created to provide financial aid and counseling to children in need. While on the SACC, Joyce held many officer positions including Financial Secretary, Secretary and past President. She was also the coordinator and a model for SACC fundraiser fashion shows. While living in Rutherford, Joyce became politically active and became a member of the local Civil Rights Commission and the Democratic National Committee. She was also a member of the Murray-Hodge Post 453, American Legion. Mt. Arat Baptist Church of Rutherford, NJ has been the "spiritual inspiration in Joyce's life." She has been a lifelong member of the choir and pianist as needed. She was a member of the Board of Trustees and served as past Chair. She also held positions as Church Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Treasurer of the Women's Club, co-Coordinator of the Women's Fashion Show. Joyce served as Co-Superintendent of the Church School, supervisor of the Youth Choir, Wedding Coordinator and on other various church committees. Joyce leaves to cherish her memories her beloved daughter, Cynthia Jones, a "once in a lifetime", son-in-law", Robert Jones, "blessed with three grandchildren, each a star", Robert Jones Jr., Melanie Jones, and Jeffrey Jones, a beloved sister, Carol Allen and dear nieces, nephews and cousins. Her husband, Clive Miller, precedes her in death.