Mother Ora Bell Miller

The Life and Legacy of Mother Ora Bell Miller

Ora Bell Miller, age 97, of Kansas City, Missouri, a cherished matriarch, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Saint Luke’s Hospice House. Born on February 21, 1929, in Cedartown, GA, she was the second of four children born to Willie Thomas Bradley Sr. and Mattie Lois (Orr) Bradley. 

Ora was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Willie T. Bradley and Gary L. Goode; one sister, Airleen Hargrove; husband, Eddie B. Miller Sr.; three daughters: Gail M. Howell, Twyler D. Rogers, Myrtice A. Anderson; and two grandchildren, Desiree’ L. Miller and Kevin T. Miller.

Ora grew up with a spirit of kindness, resilience, and strength. She attended Cedartown Middle School up until the eighth grade, leaving school to support her family, embodying a spirit of selflessness and determination that would define her life.

She took on many roles throughout her career, worked as a housekeeper, seamstress and drapery maker with a meticulous attention to detail. She even worked as a part-time bus monitor, watching over each rider with care.

In 1947, Ora married Eddie B. Miller Sr., with whom she shared 56 years of a beautiful and adventurous life until his passing. In 1954, they moved their family to Kansas City, Missouri; together, they raised four wonderful children: Eddie Jr., Gail, Twyler, and Myrtice, who became the center of her world.

Ora accepted Christ at a young age, and she was a dedicated member of Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, led by Reverend Albert Colbert, and then later joined her daughter Twyler at Pentecostal Church of God in Christ, led by Bishop Daniel M. Jordan, and worked in the kitchen alongside her daughter.

Ora loved to travel, often embarking on adventures with her family, to places like Cedartown, Bahamas, Philadelphia, New York, Detroit and Canada. She also loved family gatherings and events. She loved to cook and bake, to sew and crochet, but her passion was being outdoors attending to her flower beds. She would mow her own lawn because she wanted her lawn to be mowed a certain way, but she had to quit due to her age, then, her favorite pastime in the summer was sitting on the front porch drinking her favorite beverage, lemon iced tea, while watching the cars and trucks go by and the kids on bikes, playing, and let's not forget, Ora loved to go shopping.

She was the heart and foundation of our family, a source of unconditional love and unwavering support. Ora taught us the importance of pride, respect, and showing up for one another, no matter the circumstance. Her wisdom was a guiding light, her laughter a cherished memory, and her presence a comfort to all who were fortunate to know her.

Ora leaves to cherish her memories: her son, Eddie B. Miller Jr., of Twentynine Palms, CA; and an expansive family tree that includes 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 18 great-great grandchildren; several nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, cousins; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.