WACO, Texas — Patricia Miller is being remembered by the McLennan County community not just as a county commissioner, but as an example of what leadership and grace looked like.
McLennan County Judge Scott M. Felton confirmed Miller's death on Sunday, Jan. 28. She was 65.
Since Miller's death, people in the McLennan County community have reflected on the lasting impact she left behind.
Miller was the first woman to be elected to the McLennan County Commissioners Court and the first African American woman to serve on the Court.
According to McLennan County, there are 1,016 county commissioners in the State of Texas. Of those, 50 are women and 34 are African American. Commissioner Miller was one of only six African American women serving on commissioners courts across Texas.
Miller's mentee Hope Balfa says Miller's resilience and ability to stay positive when enduring adversity is what she'll remember about her the most.
"She faced struggles herself but she would always say 'Even when there's not a seat at the table for you, bring your own folding chair'," Balfa shared.
Miller was always active in the community and advocated for the Black and brown community.
Some of Miller's many accolades include being the recipient of the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Club’s 2023 Sojourner Truth Award, Omicron Upsilon Chapter 2020 Omega Psi Phi Citizen of the Year Award, and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
In January 2024, Miller launched a radio show, named 'What's Going On', broadcasted on The Beat 107.3.
Members of the radio station said she wasn't just a commissioner but an example of a historical figure in the Waco community.
"That smile, she'd light up the room and she just touched people and anointed people," Radio DJ Precyse explained. "That's the kind of love that God had inside of her."
County commissioners agreed that Miller had a hard-working spirit and will be deeply missed.
"Commissioner Miller is deserving of all the kind words and has left us all with incredible memories to cherish," Commissioner Ben Perry added. "She and I have worked together for years but truly became close friends after her winning the Pct 2 Commissioners seat. She had an aura that surrounded her when she walked into any situation."
The radio crew is hoping Miller receives the recognition she deserves as a pioneer in the community, whether that be a monument or a street named in her honor.
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