MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR JAMES REED CAMPBELL JR.
Dear SMDPA members,
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joan C. Miller, age 93. Her daughter Debra “Deb” Georgantis-Miller reported that Joan passed away in her home on Sunday, May 18, surrounded by loving family. A copy of Joan’s obituary appears on our website under the “Member Area / In Memoriam”: https://sail1620.org/Joan_C._Miller. Its source may be found on Legacy.com, with opportunities to sign the online Guest Book, leave comments, and make a donation in Joan’s name: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/joan-miller-obituary?id=58470185. Quite a few SMDPA members have already shared their warm memories there.
SMDPA Susquehanna Colony Governor Michael Saunders makes the following uncredited remarks on our website:
Joan C. Miller was a distinguished leader within the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (SMDPA). She served as Governor of the SMDPA, with her term concluding around 2010–2011. In her farewell message, she expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to uphold the Society's mission of honoring the Pilgrims' legacy and promoting the principles of civil and religious liberty established in the Mayflower Compact
Beyond her gubernatorial role, Joan remained actively involved in the Society's initiatives. She contributed to various committees, including those focused on education, bylaws, and community relations, as evidenced by her continued participation until health forced her to step back from an active role in the Society.
Her legacy within the SMDPA and her contributions to genealogical scholarship reflect a life devoted to honoring and perpetuating the values and history of the Mayflower descendants.
I first met Joan, her late husband Donald Miller, and Deb perhaps 10 years ago at a conference of the Northeast Pennsylvania Genealogical Society. My wife is Ukrainian-American, and one of the speakers was addressing genealogical research of Ukrainian and Eastern European ancestors – hence our driving over from northern New Jersey. Among the small number of exhibitors in the main hallway were the three Millers occupying a table on behalf of SMDPA. I was a freshly minted SMDNJ member, so naturally I introduced myself and enjoyed a wonderful conversation that lasted the rest of that afternoon, in between sessions. This conversation subsequently morphed into a valued friendship. It persuaded me to start attending SMDPA events and become a dual member.
Joan’s maiden name was Reed, and I was delighted to discover that we both descended from the same immigrant ancestor, William Read (1587-bef 1656). We would always greet each other as “Cousin Reed!” Those who knew Joan would certainly agree that she was a warm and welcoming presence at every SMDPA encounter. Broad smiles abounded. (I should add that, with Deb, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”) Joan made invaluable contributions to our Society over her many years as a devoted leader and member. She will be profoundly missed.
God speed!
James (Jim) Campbell SMDPA Governor [email protected]
