Her Life, Love, and Legacy

Mrs. R. Markena Miller was born on February 28, 1922, to the late Riley and Willie Bates.  She was educated in the Portsmouth School System, graduated from I. C. Norcom High School, and was active in Norcom Alumni Association.  She grew up in Pinners Point section of Portsmouth where she remained until she married her husband, Reginald Miller and moved to Norfolk.  She spent most of her adult life in Norfolk and retired from Mary Jane Bakery after many years.  She was a member of St. John’s African Methodist Episcopal Church of Norfolk, VA for over 50 years, and she attended faithfully until her health began to decline.  She was a member of the Chancel Choir and Combined choirs, the J. C. James Fellowship, and the Lay Organization.

“Aunty Kirk”, as she was affectionately known, enjoyed singing, dancing, traveling, gardening, and decorating her home.  She was a giving person and enjoyed helping others.  She was a classy woman who loved to shop and dress elegantly.  She also enjoyed spending time with her family and encouraging the younger family members to work and become self-sufficient so that they would not have to depend on others for their survival.

God blessed Aunty Kink to see 99 years of life before she transitioned to her heavenly home on  Saturday, August 14, 2021.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Reginald Miller; her parents, Riley and Willie Bates; five siblings:  Phillip (Geraldine) Bates, Quintella (Horace) Somerville; Vincent (Rosa) Bates, Ruby Williams, and Riley (Frances) Bates; and her longtime companion, Frank Brown. Those left to cherish her memory include:  Brother-in-law, Ruebin Williams of Portsmouth, VA; Nieces:  Joan Artis of Norfolk, VA, Rubenia Williams-Winston (Warren, Jr.) of Bowie, MD, Rosa Davis of Richmond, VA, Rosetta Brown (Geravis, Sr.), and Doreen Walls of Portsmouth, VA; and Charlotte (Michael) Carter of Chesapeake, VA; a nephew:  Vincent Bates of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, several great nieces and nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

Special appreciation is extended to her loving and devoted caregiver and our adopted family member, Arnice Keels, for the exemplary services and care she provided Aunty Kink.  Her kindness will never be forgotten.  The family is also appreciative of the services provided by the past and current staff of Portside Health and Rehab Center (formerly known as Sentara Nursing Home) for over six years, and the professional services provided by the staff of Corprew Funeral Home.