Newark Artist Will Celebrate Her 100th Birthday With Exhibit And Party

NEWARK, NJ — It has been a century filled with love, laughter and wisdom for Bertha Miller of Newark. And the centenarian-to-be is looking forward to much more to come.

Miller – an artist, teacher and beloved member of the Clinton Hill community – will celebrate her 100th birthday on Saturday alongside her friends, family, neighbors and other well-wishers.

Her landmark birthday celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, 275 West Market Street. The public is welcome to stop in and say “congratulations” – and to take a peek at a curated exhibit of Miller’s artwork.

According to Clinton Hill Community Action – which is among Miller’s well-wishers – her life has been challenging, yet rewarding. Miller’s zest for life, learning, and giving has kept her “young at heart,” the group said, sharing the following background about the longtime Newark resident:

“Mrs. Miller is a lifelong resident of Newark, and she has lived a life filled with love, laughter, and wisdom. Her 100th birthday is a true testament to her strength and vitality. She was born on June 8, 1924, and was raised by foster parents, Hester and Robert Wilson. She received her education at Oliver St. Elementary School, Robert Treat Jr. High, and she graduated from West Side High School in the class of 1943.

“During WWII, she held a government clerical position at Prudential in Newark and later worked at REMCO. She was a Sales Clerk at W.T. Grant and an Avon representative while raising her three children along with her husband, James.

“Bertha’s love of education and children inspired her to pursue a career in education, which she accomplished by enrolling in Kean University at the age of 51. She graduated in 1981 after earning a BA in early childhood and elementary education. She was certified in special education and she also earned a MA - reading specialist degree from the former Jersey City State College (now Jersey City University) where she was a member of the Alpha Upsilon Alpha Honorary Reading Fraternity. She went on to have a successful 25-year career as an educator.

“Bertha has always had a passion for the arts, having studied millinery, pattern drafting, and line model sketching in New York City. The body of her artwork includes models of Newark City Hall, Lackawanna Station, Krueger Mansion, and the former Tiffany Building, which NJPAC displayed in 2016. However, her proudest moment was the honor she received as the oldest contributing artist in the Newark Art Festival’s 2022 show.”

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