Helen Miller

Helen Anita (Sheeler) Miller

Helen was born on October 7, 1926, in Charleston, TN, and was the only child of the late Reverend H.A. and Emma Lee Sheeler. She professed her love for the Lord and joined the Green’s Chapel CP Church at the age of seven years old. She traveled with her parents and attended and worked in many churches during her life. At her passing, she was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

She was an advocate of education and started her own learning at an early age. She attended High Point Elementary in Charleston and graduated from J.L. Cook High School in Athens, TN. She attended Alabama State Teachers College in Montgomery, AL, and later transferred to Tennessee State University in Nashville where she received her B.S. Degree in Education and then graduated with a Masters Degree at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Her first position was a principal of East Etowah Elementary in Etowah, TN. She later returned to teach at High Point Elementary. After two years, she was hired by Cleveland City Schools and taught fifth grade at College Hill School until integration, and the name was changed to Highland Elementary, where she was named principal and remained there until the school was burned. She was transferred to Stuart Elementary until her retirement of 35+ years in education.

She holds many awards and honors, one being not only the first female but the first African-American principal in the Cleveland City Schools. She was a member of the National Education Association, a board member of the Creative Arts Guild, the Bradley Regional Museum, President of the Blue Angels at Cleveland Community Hospital, a lifetime member of the N.A.A.C.P, the regional board of the United Negro College Foundation. She was the 2020 Tennessee Citizen of the Year by the U.S. Deputy Sheriff’s Association and a member of the S.C.L.C.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 61 years, John H Miller; son-in-law, Clayborne Phillips; three grandchildren, Shannon Smith, and Brandon Miller; and one great-grandson Issaiah Parris.

Left to cherish her memories are three children, LeBron (Terrie) Miller, Sophia Phillips, and Angela (Kevin) Thornton; Eight grandchildren, Regina Sharp, Joseph Walton, Misty Cranfill, Dion Miller, Dwayne, Tasha, and Joshua Phillips, and Gabrielle Thornton; sixteen great-grandchildren ( JaShawn, JaMaya, and Antonio) who were blessed to live with her at some point in her life; and one great great grandchild. We as her children were blessed to share her as a mother to many. She also leaves to cherish her memories many cousins, friends, and students who loved her dearly. 

She was a devoted lady attendant at Patton Funeral Home until her passing. You could find her at the front door greeting families with her beautiful and warm smile.

Friday, April 28, 2023 the body may be viewed from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Patton Funeral Home Chapel, 265 Fair St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311.

Saturday, April 29, 2023 the family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at South Cleveland Church Of God, 1846 Volunteer Drive, Cleveland, TN 37311 with a funeral service to follow. Pastor Edward Robinson,Sr, eulogist. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.  A white dove release will conclude the service. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Ronald McDonald House.

 Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com.

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