Teretha Viola Beaty Millner, 103, quietly and peacefully departed this life on Monday, February 15, 2021. Her life was well-lived and she was well-loved.

She was born April 17, 1917 in York, South Carolina to the union of John Russell and Anna Stanton Beaty. Teretha was the last living sibling of seven children. She attended York County Public Schools and after graduating moved to Winston-Salem where she completed her education at LaMay Beauty College. For many years she worked as a beautician before being hired by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company where she retired.

Teretha was married for forty-eight years to the late John E. Millner and was blessed by a daughter, Mable L. Millner.

She was an active member of St. John CME having joined in the early 1930's. Serving as President of the Senior Usher Board for forty years as well as Advisor to the Junior Usher Board and also was a member of the Spiritual Choir, Senior Citizen Club, Vacation Bible School volunteer, former Class Leader and President of the Pastor's Aid Board, a Missionary, and Stewardess Emerita. She was honored by the church as she turned 100 and received many acknowledgements and recognitions for her dedication and service. Her tenure of membership led her to the distinction of being the oldest member of St. John.

Affectionately known to her neighbors and friend as "Miss T or Tee" she was regarded as a care-giver, providing meals, wellness checks and chauffeuring her friends when she was driving. A skilled cook, she was known for her famous 'potato soup' which was a regular item delivered to those who were sick and shut-in. Her candied yams, lima beans, cabbage and okra, and Russian Tea Punch were staples at church and community events. Teretha loved flowers both inside and out and won awards for her well-kept lawn while being a member of the Blooming Lily Flower Club. She was past President of the 25th Street Condolence club and the Kimberly Park Senior Citizen club.

She was a member of Beauty of the West #36, OES (Order of the Eastern Star) having served as a Past Worthy Matron, receiving awards and recognition for her many years of service. Recently she was honored as the oldest member of the Chapter.

Teretha was stylish and a fashionista known for her coordinating outfits including hats, jewelry, and other accessories. This passion for fashion continued throughout her lifetime. She enjoyed traveling especially to NAACP and CME conferences and frequently accompanied her daughter to sorority conventions.

She was devoted to family and friends having cared for five of her siblings and close friends as their health declined. Aunt Tee broaden the sense of family supporting and nurturing nieces, nephews, adopted children, and sister friends while being honored as the oldest member of both the Beaty and Millner families. She took pride in being an active, concerned citizen and was excited to have voted in the last two presidential elections. She was proud to have lived to see a Black American President and Vice President. She often shared stories of past times which were brutal and in humane. She constantly reminded that it was not time to be comfortable and complacent for there was still work to be done.

She displayed the strongest examples of strength of character, generosity, integrity, faith, love, and devotion to her church and to family. She always met you with a wide smile and inviting manner yet sometimes tempered with stern advice and direction as she determined (bossy). And she expected you to do as she instructed or you would find yourself on the receiving end of a reprimand. She was friendly, funny, and a talker. Miss Tee stood tall, proudly but humbly, and was gentle yet could be a force to be reckon with.

Teretha was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Bessie L. Beaty, Nannie B. Gunning, George Beaty, Robert Beaty, Annie M. Jones, and William R. Beaty; and husband, John Edd Millner.

She leaves to cherish her memories a loving daughter, Mable L. Millner of Worcester, MA; devoted niece and nephew, Juanita M. Easter and John T.(Frankie) Beaty of Winston-Salem; caring nieces and nephews, William R.(Phyllis) Beaty of New Haven, CT, James(Hazel) Beaty of Atlanta, GA, Janice (Gregory) Hamilton of Maryland, Paul Beaty of Washington, DC, Morris(Eulaya)Beaty of Chattanooga, TN, Lois Wynn of Knoxville, TN, and Delmus Broadnax of New York; sisters-in-law, Virginia Millner of Reidsville, NC and Marie Millner of Eden, NC; supportive cousins, Mary(Ronald)Marshall of Greensboro, NC and the Wright family of Clover, SC; special friends, Edith George and Catherine Cason; extended family, Charles(Sandra) Carson, Clara Saunders, and Belinda W. Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Teretha lived a long and full life. She was unwavering in her faith and beliefs, and her life was a testimony to grace and gratitude. She was a blessing and a blessing to those who were privileged by her presence.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home. Private services will be held Monday, February 22, 2021 with livestreaming beginning at 11:00am on the Russell Funeral Home Facebook page. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Novant Health Medical Center, Pallative Care, and Trinity Glen for your compassionate service and care.

In lieu of flowers please send gifts and donations in memory of Teretha B. Millner, to the Technology and Media Fund of St. John CME Church, 350 Northwest Crawford Place, Winston-Salem NC 27105.