Lelia K. Miller

Lelia Kay Miller was born February 18, 1952 in Kansas City, Missouri to the union of Harvey G Miller Jr. and Eula Mae (Evans) Miller. She was the third child of four children. Educated in the Kansas City, Missouri School District, Lelia Kay Miller graduated from Manual High and Vocational School in 1970 with Special Recognition in Art her senior year. It was her gift in art that pushed Lelia Kay to pursue her education at the Kansas City Art Institute, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1974. Ms. Miller would continue her studies and go on to earn her Missouri Lifetime Educator's Certificate in 1980. She also earned her Kansas Certificate of Education in 1981. Taking a pause in her academic studies, Lelia Kay married Leorange Watson Jr. with whom she had 1 child, Christina Nichole. Lelia Kay's passion for education was a driving force that led to her teaching throughout Kansas City, Kansas & the Kansas City, Mo School District., resulting in  a 35+ teaching career.  She loved every student as if they were her own, planting seeds of character & wisdom all while giving them insight into the world of Art.  There were no limits in Ms.Miller's class as she urged her students to go beyond just "drawing"...Sculpting, photography, painting were just a few of the many forms of art one would learn from Ms. Miller. Lelia Kay would continue her own personal graduate studies, receiving her Master's Degree specializing in K-12 Ed/Art in 1988 from Central Missouri State University (now known as University of Central Missouri (UCM) as well as her Specialist of Education Degree from William Woods University in 2010. Having taught at various schools (Paseo, Westport, King, Central, Robeson, Southeast, Northeast), Ms. Miller retired from the KC,MO School District in 2014. Following in her parents footsteps, L. Kay Miller had a heart for serving the community and became the President of Forgotten Homeowner's Association in 2005.  For the next 7 years, Kay would work with various civil leaders, city councilpersons, non-profit organizations, businesses & ministries to help provide services and a "voice" to those residing in her childhood neighborhood which included the 9th-14th blocks between Woodland and Brooklyn. For any of those that knew Lelia Kay, affectionately called Kay, they knew her love for God and her committed service to His people. Kay was able to unite her love of Jesus Christ and passion for educating the youth by serving as Sunday School teacher & active Youth Leader with Paseo Baptist Church for over 20 years under the leadership of the late Dr. Charles Briscoe, Pastor Delmar White & Pastor Gregory Ealey. In 2008, Kay Miller began new membership with New Inspirational Word of God Church under the leadership of Pastor A. Hollins.  She followed her call on the Ministry Team and as an armor bearer, Min. Kay provided steadfast support and encouragement to those around. She continued to mentor and guide young people, instilling in them values of compassion and service. Kay Miller: Lover of God, praiser, worshipper, prayer warrior, gifted artist & mentor. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.  Lelia Kay Miller le of service and love that will continue to inspire others for years to come. Lelia Kay Miller was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey G. and Eula Miller, and her brother Michael L Miller.

She is survived by her daughter Christina Watson-James (R.K), granddaughter Leah James, sister JoAnn Miller, brother Phillip Miller, nieces: Erica Miller, Eryn Boodie, Katrina Miller; host of cousins, church family and other relatives and friends.