Worcester - Mable L. Millner, affectionately known as “Dean Mable,” transitioned peacefully on Monday, January 24, 2022. Born on May 4,1952 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to John E. and Teretha B, Millner, Mable was raised in a predominately African American community in Winston-Salem. A proud alumna of Spelman College in Atlanta, earning a master’s degree in social work and began her career in higher education at the University of Pittsburgh. Mable then found her way to Boston University, and in 2001, she joined the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA where she worked until her retirement in 2020 as the Associate Dean of Students for Diversity and Inclusion and the Director of Multicultural Education.
Mable was known for her generous spirit and great sense of humor, and she gave unconditionally of her time and talents to better her community and create a more equitable society. She was devoted to Worcester, serving as chairperson of the Coalition on Bias and Hate, a member of the Worcester Human Rights Commission, a member of Dress for Success-Worcester’s board of directors, and various roles with the Worcester branch of the NAACP. Mable was awarded the Key to the City in 2020 in recognition for her commitment. Her commitment to justice and equity extended well beyond Worcester as demonstrated by her service as national chair of both the Consortium of High Achievement and Success and the Conference on Diversity and Equity.
Mable was a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. a historically African American sorority, The Links, Incorporated and memberships to several national associations and councils. She was awarded the Katherine Forbes Erskine Award in Education, YWCA Central Massachusetts, 2013, Outstanding Excellence in Teaching, Springfield College School of Human Services, Boston Campus, 2006, Golden Key Achievement Award, Boston University, 1997, Outstanding Young Woman in America, 1978, 1980.
As much time as Mable devoted to her community, she spent double that time mentoring countless students, and of this contribution she was most proud. Mable knew her own success was due to the hard work of her ancestors and her own mentors. Determined to be an influencer of change, it gave her tremendous joy to lift up the next generation of leaders. She will be remembered by those whose lives she touched as a courageous woman who led with integrity and purpose, a woman who loved music and dancing, and a woman who never met a stranger. Mable loved music and enjoyed a little dancing when celebrating her birthday or celebrating others.
Mable is preceded in death by her parents; John E. and Teretha B. Millner, her grandparents, aunts and uncles, Bessie L. Beaty, Nannie B. Gunning, George Beaty, Robert Beaty, Annie M. Jones, and William R. Beaty; and husband, John Edd Millner.
A legacy of memories will live on with her devoted cousins, Juanita M. Easter and John T.(Frankie) Beaty of Winston-Salem, NC, 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 dear friends.
Funeral services will be held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The family has entrusted Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home 12 Hammond St. Worcester to direct local arrangements.
To share a memory of Mable or to sign her online guestbook, please visit www.Royfuneral.com