Mrs. Mary G. Miller

Obituary for Mary Geraldine Miller “Cookie” Mary Geraldine Miller, affectionately known to family and friends as “Cookie,” beloved wife of Robert W. Miller, Jr., answered God’s call on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. She was born on May 19, 1947, in Washington, D.C., the oldest child of the late George and Thelma Fitzgerald. Mary was raised in Washington, D.C. and educated in the D.C. Public School System. She graduated from Cardozo High School in 1966. She began her career at the D.C. Public Library on June 28, 1965. Over the years, she served faithfully in several roles, including library technician, secretary, and staffing specialist in the Human Resources Department, where she remained until her retirement after 44 years of service. Many current staff members at the library attribute their own employment to Mary’s guidance and support in hiring. She was well loved and respected throughout the library system, admired by many, and deeply appreciated for her dedication, kindness, and professionalism. After retirement, Mary joyfully referred to herself as a “professional grandma,” caring for her grandchildren after school and during the summers. Together with her husband, Robert, their home became affectionately known as “Bob Miller’s Daycare & Mama’s Academy,” where love, laughter, and learning always abounded. At a young age, Mary accepted Christ and was baptized at John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church in Washington, D.C., where she remained a devoted and active member throughout her life. She was a longtime member of the Cathedral Choir, serving as Vice President for many years. She faithfully supported the Fellowship Gospel Choir from the congregation before joining and singing with them for many years. She also traveled to church conferences across the years, where she joyfully sang with the Conference Choir. Mary was also a devoted Deaconess, serving faithfully in this ministry. Even as she lay in the hospital, she requested to wear part of her uniform for Communion Sunday on August 3, 2025, marking her last time in uniform. She was also Recording Secretary for the Senior Ladies Usher Board, and she supported grieving families by singing in the Funeral Choir or serving as an usher for funerals. Mary was active with the John Wesley Federal Credit Union, holding various leadership positions over the years, and was a proud member of the May Birthday Club. With her joyful spirit, she even tried her hand at the Senior Liturgical Dance Group and enjoyed fellowship with the seniors of the church through Off Your Rockers. Mary was known for her caring nature, always extending her hand to help those in need. She enjoyed traveling with her family and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. She delighted in caring for them, taking them to and from school, attending field trips, and sharing in their milestones. Mary also had a special love for wearing hats—in every style and color—and she wore them to church and other events every chance she got, always adding her own touch of beauty and grace. She was a loving and devoted caregiver to her husband, Robert, faithfully keeping him active and engaged even as he faced the challenges of dementia. Together, she and Robert enjoyed attending activities and lunch at the Lamond Recreation Center, where they found joy and fellowship among friends. On September 4, 1971, Mary married the love of her life, Robert W. Miller, Jr., and together they built a life filled with love and family. To this union, two daughters were born: Angela “Angie” and Anita. She was a proud grandmother to Angelo “AJ,” Anjali, Alijah, Jaylin, Caitlyn, and a loving “bonus granddaughter-in-love” Essence, as well as one great-grandson, Zion. Mary will be cherished and remembered by her loving husband of 54 years, Robert W. Miller, Jr.; her daughters, Angela M. Miller-Kelly (Forest) and Anita M. Miller-Key (Joseph “Jay”); her grandchildren, Angelo J. Miller (Essence), Anjali M. Miller, Alijah R. Miller, Jaylin M. Key, and Caitlyn F. Wilson; along with her great-grandson, Zion H. Miller. She also leaves her brother Maurice G. Fitzgerald; three brothers-in-love, Michael W. Miller, Arthur D. Miller, and Jesse R. Miller; five sisters-in-love, Gail Fitzgerald, Demarius Miller, Pauline Miller, Jackie Miller, and Maxine Robinson; her godchildren, Keelay Carter and Brandon Miller; cousins, numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. Among her closest lifelong sister-friendships, lasting over 50 years, were Helen McNeil Wayne and Wanda Wilson. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Thelma Fitzgerald; brother, Michael G. Fitzgerald; her brother-in-love, Dale F. Miller, Sr.; and three sisters-in-love, Shirley R. Miller, Fay E. Carter, and Veronica L. Miller. Mary will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her deep faith, her joyful spirit, her love of hats, and her dedication to others. Her legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to live on in all who knew her.

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Mrs. Mary G. Miller

May 19, 1947 - September 13, 2025