Constance Miller Beard

On October 10, 1961, a beautiful baby girl named Constance Chonita Miller was born to Leon Riley, Jr. and Earnestine Mills in Monroe, Louisiana.  She accepted Christ at the age of 10 at Progressive Church of God in Christ in Monroe, LA under the leadership of Reverend J.B. Bradley.  At the time of her transition, she was a member at Prevailing Faith Bible Church under the leadership of Pastor Charles and Patsy Brown.  

Connie attended Little Flower Academy, St. Frederick High School and Ouachita High School.  She was a graduate of Ouachita High School’s Class of 1979.   She furthered her education at Robinson Business College.  Constance was employed as an activity director at Ouachita Council on Aging, Avalon Nursing Home, Azalea Estates, and St. Joseph’s Nursing Home.  At the time of her passing, she was a CSM at Roses Discount Store.  

Connie had a gift of bringing laughter to others.  She did so in her performance as Sistah Viva Vocee.  Connie was very intentional when choosing the name Sistah Viva Vocee.  Viva Vocee means “spirited by the words of my mouth”.  Connie had the gift of making others laugh.  Laughter is a response to God’s tremendous love and grace that showers on us.  Many in the community sought to have her perform at reunions, birthday celebrations, pastor anniversaries, Christmas parties, and various other celebrations.  She also made others believe that they could conquer any obstacle.  

Connie’s departure on March 30, 2025 left her family, friends and community feeling heartbroken. 

She leaves to cherish her memories:   sons, Uriah Miller and Billye Miller both of Monroe, LA; daughters, Daphne (James) Detiege and Hope Miller of Monroe, LA; her mother, Minister Ernerstine Green; 17 grandchildren ; two sisters:  Katherine “Shaun”(Bobby) Traylor of Monroe, LA and Charlotte Green of Atlanta, Georgia; three brothers: Leon Riley, Jr. (Patrina) of Monroe, LA, Carlos Miller of Houston, TX, and Daniel Riley of Abilene, TX;; two uncles, Herbert Miller of Fort Worth, TX and Ernest Miller of Houston, TX; many nieces and nephews and other “sugar babies”. “Sugar babies” were Connie’s newfound friends and loved ones.   She was preceded in death by her husband, Fulton Beard; her father, Leon Riley, Jr; step-father, Charles Green, Sr; grandparents, Leon Riley, Sr., Katherine Riley, two brothers, Victor Joseph Riley and Carlos Green; two sisters, Vanessa Miller Garrett and Catrina Green; and one beloved grandson, Zion Christopher Miller.

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