Berna J. Miller Obituary (1942 - 2017)

Berna J. Miller, 75, Mandan, North Dakota, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2017, at Sanford Health, Bismarck. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 23, 2017, at First Baptist Church, 1100 Collins Avenue, Mandan, with Rev. W. Allen Thomason officiating. Friends and family will gather at 7:00 PM, Friday at the church, and one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in Mission Chapel Baptist Cemetery, Elkland, Missouri. Berna was born March 5, 1942, at Oakland, Arkansas, to Boyd and Margaret (Johnson) Sanders. She was raised and educated in Fairgrove, Missouri, where she graduated from high school. On February 3, 1962, she married John Miller in Fairgrove. Through the years, Berna worked as an administrator for Morton County Social Services and the North Dakota Social Department. She served faithfully with her husband as a pastor's wife-serving the church and community. She worked as his administrative assistant for the Dakota Baptist Convention and the Prairie Partners Baptist Association. She had significant gifts of administering, work ethic, organizing, and a great memory. Berna had a heart for Baptist work in the Dakotas and missions in general. She was an avid gardener and sports fan. She is survived by her husband, John; one daughter, Rebecca (W. Allen) Thomason, Mandan; two sons, Mark (John Summers) Miller, San Diego, California, and Charles (Lisa) Miller, Blaine, Minnesota; two sisters, Barbara (Millard) Bain, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Mary (Larry) Davis, Sacramento, California; four grandchildren, Benjamin, John, and David "Eli" Thomason, and Jessica Miller; numerous nieces, nephews, special friends; and countless friends she made throughout her ministry. Berna was preceded in death by her parents. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Elevator Fund, First Baptist Church Mandan. Please sign her guestbook and share memories at www.dawiseperry.com. Funeral arrangements are being made with DaWise-Perry Funeral Services, Mandan, North Dakota.