Mae L Miller

Mae Lois Miller, beloved daughter of Willie Miller Sr. and Lillian Tucker, was born on May 3, 1947, in Halifax, VA. Mae gained her wings on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the age of 78. She passed away surrounded by her loving family. Mae was the fifth daughter of twelve siblings. She received her education in the Wilmington Public Schools and graduated from Delaware High School, located in Wilmington, DE. After high school, Mae began her life in a new world. During this time, she met our father, Bernell Martin Kilson Sr. From their relationship, Mae and Bernell had two children, Monica Kilson and Sean Kilson Sr. Soon thereafter, Mae began her career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Delaware. Several years later, Mae met the love of her life, James L. Ryals, whom she later married. Forty years later, they remained the apple of each other’s eye. Mae worked a total of 20 years at Blue Cross and Blue Shield before retiring in 1992. After retirement, Mae spent the remaining years of her life as a homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend to the many people blessed to know her. Mae was everything a person could ask for in a human being. She was an amazing woman who always put herself last and everyone else first. She was truly selfless, which is why she was and continues to be so beloved and deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Some of Mae’s favorite pastimes included going to Delaware Park, shopping at Boscov’s and Goodwill, reciting Bible verses, especially Psalm 23, singing gospel songs, and watching ministries on television. Last, but certainly not least, she enjoyed scratch-off tickets and occasionally playing the lottery. Mae truly loved her lottery tickets. Mae was preceded in death by Willie Miller Sr., Lillian Tucker, Mable Edwards, Percy Miller, Jack Miller, Grace Lively, Pumpkin Miller, Walter Poindexter, and Lester Skates Jr. In Mae’s memory, she leaves to cherish her loving husband, James Ryals; her children, Monica Kilson and Sean Kilson Sr.; her daughter-in-law, Ikia Wade; her grandchildren, Z’kai Brooks, Keera Brooks, Sean Kilson Jr., Munir Adams, Kenyatta Wade-Kilson, Charlay Wade-Kilson, Carmella Wade-Kilson, Seandale Wade-Kilson, and London Wade-Kilson; and her great-grandchildren, Zah’mia Brooks and Omari Brooks. She also leaves her brothers, Lester Miller, Leonard Miller Sr., and Willie Miller Jr.; her sister-in-law, Ida Bell; her sisters, Minnie Skates and Ann Hayman; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family. We would like to thank you all for being a part of our mother’s life and our lives. We love you all.

Mae L Miller

May 3, 1947 - January 22, 2026