Merita Sarrazin Miller peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home on December 15, 2024 at the age of 88. A life defined by love, kindness, and service, she leaves a lasting legacy.
Merita was born on December 4, 1936 to Yvonne Clement Sarrazin and Alton Ambrose Sarrazin, and began her early education at Holy Ghost School where she excelled academically and played on the basketball team. In 1955, Merita graduated with honors from Walter L. Cohen High School, where she was crowned Miss Wa-Lo-Co Homecoming Queen during her senior year. It was at Cohen High that she met the love of her life, William (Att) Miller. The two married in 1961, beginning a love story that spanned over 50 years and was blessed with two children, Bobby and Toika. Merita pursued higher education at Southern University in Baton Rouge, earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. While there, she achieved the esteemed title of Miss Southern University 1958-59 and became a proud member of the Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serving as Vice-President and Dean of Pledges of her chapter during her undergraduate years.
Following her graduation from Southern, Merita dedicated 35 years to teaching, beginning her career at Tommy Lafon and McDonogh 30, with most of her teaching career spent at Thomas Alva Edison Elementary School in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, where she nurtured and inspired generations of young minds. Known for her warmth, patience, and excellence, she was a guiding light for countless students and colleagues alike.
Merita is preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, and her brothers, Alton J. Sarrazin, Sr. (Flora), and Arthur Sarrazin Sr. (Alice). She leaves to cherish her loving memories: her children, Bobby Miller (Sandra), and Toika Moses; her treasured grandchildren, Nyjah, Samyra, and India Miller, and Gerard, Cami, and Joshua Moses; her loving sister, Sherrye Smith; godson and nephew, Kenya J.H. Smith (Ceeon); nieces, Pamela Stern (Eric), Alicia Cantrell (Emile), Patrice Davenport, Alana Sarrazin; nephews, Arthur Sarrazin, Jr., Alton Sarrazin, Jr., and a host of relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Love and Life will be held in the Lawless Chapel on the campus of Dillard University, 2601 Gentilly Blvd., on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will be at Saint Roch No. 2 Cemetery, 1725 St. Roch Ave., NOLA