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The Rev. Charles Miner Miller, 85, and his wife, Ellen Girton Miller, 87, former Baltimore-Washington Conference missionaries to what is now Zimbabwe, both died within the past three months. Their memorial services were held at Bellaire UMC in the Houston area of Texas. They kept a relationship with Grace UMC in Baltimore.

Ellen Miller’s death was June 19. She was a graduate of Western Maryland College, then married a veteran of World War II, Charles Miller, who died Aug. 19.

Miller was the son of an Army physician and grew up in many places including the Philippines, Panama Canal and California, before ending up in Baltimore.

He was attending Johns Hopkins University when World War II interrupted and sent him to Europe. He finished his degree after the war and went on to Drew University for a divinity degree. He also held a Masters of Theological Studies degree from Wesley Theological Seminary.

In 1953, the Millers moved to what was then Southern Rhodesia to begin 30 years of missionary service with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. They served the church during the historical period when Rhodesia gained its independence from colonialism and became the independent country of Zimbabwe.

They both worked in many capacities. He was District Superintendent at one time, and was known as “Baba Kuronga,” or organizer. In 1972 he was Director of Publicity and Promotion for the Zimbabwe Conference.

She was actively involved in working with younger girls and in developing women for leadership roles in the church. Her talent and organization was tapped for assisting in the Publicity and Promotion Program her husband directed. She was also secretary-treasurer of the Episcopal Residence Committee and secretary to the principal of Epworth Theological College.

In 1983, the Millers returned to the United States and served in the Northeastern Jurisdiction with the Board of Global Ministries until retirement in 1989.

The Millers had three children, Karen King of Houston; Jim Miller of Germantown, and Peggy Keus of Bellaire, Texas; three grandchildren and one great-grandson.

They will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery May 14, 2010.

Memorial contributions may be made to Africa University Development Office, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 340007, Nashville, TN 37203-0007.