CLEVELAND — Reverend Stanley Miller, who served his community in a variety of roles during a distinguished career and was also a civil rights activist, has passed away.
Rev. Miller's passing was confirmed by his family on social media.
He served as the executive director of the Cleveland Branch of the NAACP from 2005-2011. In a statement posted to its Facebook page on Thursday, the Cleveland NAACP wrote the following tribute to Rev. Stanley Miller:
Our Cleveland NAACP family is shocked and saddened to learn about the passing of our brother, Rev. Stanley Miller, former Executive Director of the Cleveland Branch. There are no words that can properly express how sorry we are to hear about this tremendous loss. We have always admired his passion, resilience, and work ethic. Stanley was selfless and always giving of his time. He was a bridge between the legacy of Cleveland’s NAACP past and present, and his great knowledge of social activism was captivating. To his family and friends, Isaiah 57:1-2 (NIV) says, “The righteous perish, and no one lays it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” We will be praying for you. As a long-time freedom fighter and activist, Mr. Miller’s legacy will live on and breathe through the next generation of freedom fighters as the Cleveland NAACP continues to “Advance Equity Forward.”
In addition to his work with the Cleveland NAACP, Miller also served as director of community relations for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, president of the Warrensville Heights City Schools Board of Education, as well as a vice president at Ameritech. Rev. Miller was also a pastor at several local churches.
Rev. Miller is survived by his wife Ronnie, sons Stanley Jr. and Steven, and seven grandchildren.
Here are some of the posts of condolences for Rev. Miller on social media, including from Woodmere Village Mayor (and former 3News reporter) Ben Holbert:
Past stories featuring Rev. Miller:
