Althea R. (Miller) Douglas, 101, of New Bedford died peacefully on Tuesday August 30, 2016 at Royal Taber Street Nursing Home. A widow, she was the loving and devoted wife of Alfred R. Douglas for 47 years. She was the daughter of the late Israel J. and Eva P. (Raymond) Miller. She was born in Lowell, at the age of three moved to New Bedford until 1955, relocating to Dartmouth until 1982, then returning to New Bedford. She worked with her husband at Douglas Electric of Dartmouth.
Althea was a faithful member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, where she was active in many church organizations, including Mission Committee, United Methodist Church Council, Church Women United, St. Paul's Girly Kitchen Band, head greeter, usher, Market Ministries and Camp Aldersgate volunteer. She dedicated her life to the church family she loved so very much and touched their lives with her loving spirit and strong faith.
She was a member of the Friends of the Elderly of Dartmouth, the Council of Aging of Dartmouth, AARP of Dartmouth, the Freetown Post Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, St. Hedwig Senior Club, and the Cortez Allen Chapter 161 of the Order of the Eastern Star in Westport.
Althea traveled extensively abroad with her husband. Her joy in retirement was found shopping, having dinner with friends, and helping others.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Dorothy Miller of Dartmouth, several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, one great-great-niece, and many loving friends.
She was predeceased by her siblings, Joseph Miller, Clarence Miller, Wilson Miller, Clara Wilhelman, Maude Eshleman, Dorothy Keller, Genevieve Dupre, Howard Hudson, Woodrow Miller, Roger Miller and Harry Miller.
Her Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Acushnet Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday from 3-6 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church Building Fund, 884 Kempton St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.