Major Lillie R. Franklin Miller

Obituary For Major Lillie R. Franklin Miller

Major Lillie Franklin Miller, a pioneer for women in Saint Lucie County by having the distinguished honor of being the first African American female to achieve the rank of Major with the Saint Lucie County Sheriff Department, transitioned on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.

“Lillie Ruth,” as she was affectionately called by her family, was born on May 25, 1944 in Tallahassee, Florida. She was the seventh of thirteen children born to the late Dora and Ollie Franklin.

Lillie accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a young age. She was baptized and joined Hickory Hill Primitive Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida where she served faithfully as Church Secretary, Church Usher, and in many other capacities. After relocating with her family to Fort Pierce, FL, she joined Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church and later united with Mount Olive Baptist Church.

While at Mount Olive Baptist Church, Lillie served faithfully and was fully committed to being of service in whatever capacity needed. She served on several committees and was known for her work with the different anniversary programs. Lillie enjoyed creating flyers, programs, booklets, etc. Whenever there was a program, Lillie would burn the midnight oil printing memorable souvenir booklets; soliciting the help of family members, including her mother to assist with editing, collating, and binding materials.

Lillie attended the public schools of Leon County, graduating third in her class from the Old Lincoln High School in Tallassee, FL in 1961 and later matriculating to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, FL to continue her studies. Always an innovator, Lillie took advantage of every opportunity to immerse in professional development.

An avid reader, Lillie could always be seen reading. Even when on vacation, when others were enjoying the beach or a picnic during a family reunion, she would lounge in her chair reading. Her favorite genre was mystery, which no doubt lead to her pursuit of a career in law enforcement.

After much thought, Lillie decided to make a career change and she entered the field of law enforcement on December 2, 1982 by joining the Saint Lucie County Sheriff Department as a Matron in the Corrections Department. With much determination and hard work, Major Miller set her goals and quickly moved through the ranks of the Sheriff Department. After serving as a Matron for approximately three years, she advanced to Shift Corporal and ten months later, she earned the rank of Sergeant. Continuing her hard work with the Department, in less than four years, Major Miller was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where she served for two and a half years before being promoted to Captain and the Assistant Director of the Corrections Department. Three years later, Major Miller was promoted to the Director of Corrections where she served until being promoted to Director of the Administrative Department in 2002. Major Miller was recognized for her achievement during her many years with the Sheriff Department. At the time of her retirement from Saint Lucie County Sheriff Department in 2004, Major Miller was well known throughout the State of Florida for her work as a representative for the Saint Lucie County Sheriff Department.

In addition to her commitment to the Saint Lucie County Sheriff Department, Major Miller was a beacon of light within the community. She actively served in leadership positions with the NAACP and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Committee. While serving as Vice President of the NAACP, Major Miller organized the first NAACP Convention held in Fort Pierce, FL, which was the largest State Convention of the NAACP for the State of Florida. Major Miller also served with the American Red Cross Society, The United Way, The Exchange Club, The Charmettes of Saint Lucie County, and the Northside Bat and Ball League.

A good and faithful servant, Lillie is now able to take her rest. She was preceded in death by her son, Winston Garrett Franklin; her grandson, Jamale Garrett Franklin; her parents, Dora and Ollie Franklin; two brothers, Arthur Franklin and Tommie Franklin.

Lillie leaves to cherish her precious memories a loving and devoted goddaughter, niece and caregiver, Deborah(Derek)Foxx of Fort Pierce, FL; four brothers, Robert Franklin of Fort Pierce, FL, Johnny(Myrna)Franklin of Port Saint Lucie, FL, Willie James Franklin of Stuart, FL, and George(Sonia)Franklin of Germany; six sisters, Betty Knight, Dorothy Latimer, and Beatrice Copeland all of Fort Pierce, FL, Mary Hunter, Charlie Mae Franklin, and Cora Franklin all of Tallahassee, FL; a great grandson, Hayden Makhi Franklin; a great granddaughter, Alyssa Franklin; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and sorrowing friends who will miss her dearly.

Public visitation for Major Lillie R. Miller will take place on Friday, April 1, 2022 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, FL. A celebration of her life will convene on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at the River of Life Fellowship in Fort Pierce, FL beginning at 12:00pm. Addresses for both locations will be provided below. Burial will immediately follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 800 Avenue C, Fort Pierce, FL

River of Life Fellowship (East Florida Primitive Baptist Association Temple), 3950 Juanita Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL

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