Send in a tribute | In Memoriam
We will post additional tributes as they are submitted.

Some of us struggle to ameliorate poverty; some of us fight against racism, some of us champion gender equality. Gerrie—herself an insider to all three groups—promoted a mechanism of justice for household workers, thus placing herself in physical danger. Remarkably, she never became bitter or lost her sense of humaor. My favorite Gerrie story sheds light on the racism she endured in her youth when, as a member of a professional dance troupe, she found herself with a few hours to spare in a small southern town. Ambling through the streets with several fellow dancers, Gerrie's attention was drawn to hats in a store window. The store owner confronted her with a demand to buy or get out—and "Who are you, anyway; we don't like strangers in this here town nohow." Gerrie replied that she was a dancer, and the owner's attitude changed. That night, the hat store owner and her friends took up all the first row seats. But when the performance began, they became angry. Gerrie had been relegated to the last row of dancers because, she was told, her skin color was the darkest in the troupe. "We want Gerrie! We want Gerrie!" shouted her new fans until she was brought up front. From then on, Gerrie said, she danced in the first line.

—Pandi Hopkins
La Paz, Mexico

Geraldine Miller led by example. She was a hands-on leader who inspired others by her own commitment to changing the world for women. Gerrie would talk with anyone about her passion: women of all colors reaching out to each other as allies—finding similarities rather than differences, crossing boundaries rather than erecting barriers. NOW conferences won't be the same without a smile and a hug from Gerrie, but I know she'll be there with us, cheering us on.

—Kim Gandy, NOW President
Washington, D.C.

In Honor of Gerrie Miller: Gerrie became my friend when we served on the national NOW board. She was special—because of her wisdom, her laugh, her beauty. We exchanged jewelry; I sent her birthday cards. I always looked forward to our chats at NOW conferences. It will not be the same this year without Gerrie and Wanda. May the goddesses keep them forever watching us.

Geraldine Miller was one of my first mentors in NOW. She was and still is one of the pillars of our society. Geraldine was always out front on the issues. The diversity trainings she developed and led are wonderful, mind opening tools that we all have and can continue to benefit from, they are her legacy!

—Toni Van Pelt
Secretary, West Pinellas NOW

For over a year, I had the privilege of calling Gerrie twice a month with updates from the National NOW Action Center. It was always such a joy to speak with her and hear her wise, witty and pithy comments on the state of the country and the state of NOW. Through her strong and compassionate activism, Gerrie greatly enriched the lives of so many women, and I feel honored to count myself among that number.

—Liz Gilchrist, NOW Gift Planning Director
Falls Church, VA

My heart breaks to know how many wonderful women we have already lost this year. Geraldine was always so friendly, especially to all newcomers. She always greeted me with a smile and engaged me like I had always been there. I wish I had had more time to get to know her. Goddess Bless.

—Roni Arreola
Chicago, IL

I first met Gerrie when we served on the national board together, and where we became friends. Even if we didn't always agree, I knew she would listen to what I had to say, and would speak her own mind in return—she knew what she wanted, and wasn't afraid to say so. Her strength will be missed, but her spirit will stay with us.

—Melinda Towne
N. Smithfield, RI

Oh Gerrie, I am so grateful I was able to tell you how much you have meant to me, Domonique and Van, before you passed, Gerrie. I will treasure all the times we had and your last words to me. I appreciate your influence on Domonique, and your playful giddiness with Van. So selfless, you brought Sara and I together; increasing my family yet again. Even in bed days prior, you were grieving for Wanda. Your heart was always loving others. I still hear your words and laughter. Your framed picture with your WOCA award sits on the middle shelf in the dining room. The print you gave Joe and me hangs in the kitchen. Your essence is sprinkled throughout our home. You made your mark everywhere! You were even the last featured guest on Maine's WMPG radio show, 'Feminist Forum' with Bodie and me. 'Woman in Red'—your gorgeous red coat, the beautiful African American doll in the red coat Domonique and I sent you........that was you, in your festive red pantsuit and corsage—I am so honored YOU were able to dance at my wedding. I am proud to call YOU, my Godmother. You taught so well, heard countless pleas and made things happen, always in a positive way. You protected your many daughters and asked for nothing in return. You are at peace, sweet 'phenomenal' Geraldine. I will keep YOU with me forever. Thank you for enhancing my life. I LOVE YOU!

—Renee Berry-Huffman Lee
Menands, NY

I first met Gerrie at the Northeast Region WOCA summit in 1999. She tugged on my braids that day, as she continued to do each time I saw her in the years that followed. Gerrie had a great spirit and an unflinching commitment to justice and respect. She demonstrated a steadfast devotion to addressing the problems that prevent and complicate alliances. Her Race, Class, Cultural Conflict workshop always proved to be a thoughtful, inspiring and often animated experience. I cannot imagine this world without Gerrie’s strong voice in it. What a force. Thank you, Gerrie. I will never forget the fearless, invincible Geraldine Miller.

—Kris Moody
Barrington, NH

I am so sorry to hear about Geraldine. She was one terrific woman. I met Geraldine the year I sang at a talent show at one of the national conferences. She was very encouraging and a lot of fun. She will live on in our memories as a woman who lived life to the fullest.

—Susan J. Waldman
Randolph, NJ

For over a year now, I had the honor of serving with Gerrie Miller regarding WOC issues. Under her tutelage, I was afforded the opportunity to aid in the organizing of the 2005 WOCA Summit. She was an inspiration to me and many of the women of color in NOW, and a fierce activist. Her wisdom and ferocity will remain with me in my own activism.

—Michelle Colon
Jackson, MS

From my first national NOW conference more than ten years ago, Gerrie went out of her way to welcome white male me and made me feel like a part of the NOW family. My every interaction with her was a lively one—even in recent years when her legs moved more slowly, her mind moved much quicker than mine did. In the hallway between workshops, she was always ready with a funny comment—she always made me laugh and made me think. Reading the tributes, I know even more about her, and I realize now that she didn't bother to tell me of her many accomplishments—instead, she asked me about mine and made me feel like the special one. I will miss seeing her and talking with her. She is a role model of what a feminist can be. She is a role model of what I can be. Thank you for sharing some of your life with me, and most of your life with this wonderful movement.

—Ben Atherton-Zeman
Acton, MA

Took a work shop with Geraldine at one of NOW's Nat'l Conferences, and that led to our looking for each other at every NOW Conference we attended together. I remember her entertaining us with song and dance on a Saturday night. We who knew her wll miss her. Those who did not know her missed out on knowing a woman of remarkable strength of character.

—Augustine Grodson
Tucson, AZ

My heart is sad by the loss of this lovely woman. I had the chance to met Gerrie in DC at a Board meeting more then a year ago. But it was last December at the New York State NOW Conference, where I was able to speak with Gerrie alone, for a long conversation. She was kind, inspiring and encouraging to me. Telling me to continue the work I am doing. She made me feel like I could accomplish anything. I will forever remember her touch on my heart and mind that day. I am so thankful for the brief but powerful couple of hours, I was able to share with this beautiful woman. What a special gift this woman was!

—Renee Beeker
Milford, MI