Phyllis Miller

Phyllis "Tood" W. Miller age 89 went home to be with her Lord and Savior early Monday morning, May 17th, 2010. She passed away peacefully in her sleep. Born and raised in Salem, NJ Phyllis was a long time resident of Pennsville. Phyllis was born in the Fenwick Building (the old Salem Hospital) on April 17th, 1921. She was the daughter of Abner & Mabel (Goslin) Waddington of Salem. Her father was town constable and a dance instructor; she became an avid dancer and won many jitter bug dance contests and was a member of the Dry Dock Dance Club. She attended the Pennington Christian Institute summer sessions as a teen. She sang in a family gospel trio for many years and sang in the barber shop quartet, the Miss Chords. She loved poetry and in her younger years she had a book of poetry published and had written several short stories. She also enjoyed doing arts and crafts. She worked for DuPont’s for 10 years prior to marriage. Phyllis took evening classes from Glassboro State College and worked as a substitute teacher while raising her 4 children. She was a member of Emmanuel Methodist Church in Penns Grove for over 56 years where she served as a Sunday school teacher, youth choir director, sang in the church choir and a member of the Penns Grove and Centerton Methodist women’s group and served as an officer on various boards in the church. She was a member and volunteer of the Pennsville VNA and served on the board of trustees for several years. She also volunteered at Salem Hospital, child health conferences and local food bank. Phyllis was a member of the Pennsville Women’s Club for 35 years serving 20 years as the clubs president. She also served in various positions with the New Jersey and International Women’s Club. She was also active in the PTA while her children attended school in Pennsville. She was also a member of the Salem and Pennsville Historical societies. Phyllis was a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. She loved her Lord and her family and friends (especially babies and children) and always had a smile on her face and a joke to tell and would help anyone who asked. She is survived by her Husband of 61 years, Daniel F. Miller, Sr. of Pennsville, Daughter Michele (Mickey) Landis of Pennsville, and Son Rodney E. Miller of Salem, Daughter-in-laws, Elaine Miller of Woodbury and Yelena Antonenko-Miller and her sons, Miguel and Pavel of Beverly Hills, CA, Grandsons Steven E. Landis, Jr. and his wife Olivia (Schmid) and their children Emma, Isaac and Jonah, of Pennsville, Ryan Scott Miller and his fiancé Robyn Art and her daughter Titania of Bridgeton. Her sister Cora DiJosie of Newark DE, Sister-in-law Elizabeth and husband Alonzo Downs, and good friend Millie Parker of Pennsville. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, friends, and church family. She was predeceased by her sons Dan Jr and Gregg, siblings Marvin Waddington, Vivian Hankins, Abner Waddington, and Leona McGowan and her parents. A memorial service celebrating Phyllis’ life will be held at Emmanuel United Methodist Church Friday evening at 6PM, viewing from 5-6pm with a dinner immediately following the service in Wesley Hall. Interment will be private. Donations may be made in Phyllis’ memory to either Emmanuel United Methodist Church or to the Pennsville Visiting Nurses Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Ashcraft Funeral Homes, Pennsville and Penns Grove. www.ashcraftfuneralhomes.com

Phyllis Miller

April 17, 1921 - May 17, 2010