Alva Lee Chatman

Born to Robert and Nannie Miller, Alva Miller graced this world with her warm spirit and steadfast love on September 10, 1940.

Between Alva's sunrise and sunset is a dash - a seemingly small mark that represents 86 years of faith, family, education, love, work, generosity, and service.

Education was extremely important to Alva's parents. She was educated in the Talladega County School System and graduated from Ophelia S. Hill High School.

Church, like education, was not optional in the Miller household; it was a way of life. Mamma joined the Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Munford, Alabama. She served in many capacities in her church, including Deaconess, Sunday School Teacher, Choir, and Usher Board.

She was united in holy matrimony to Lawrence Jimmy Chatman. Their marriage was blessed and sustained until his death in 1976. From their union came 3 blessed children, and then came 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, who were the apples of her eyes. For all she accomplished throughout life, Alva knew that her greatest legacy would never be found on a resume, committee roster, plaque, or certificate. It would be found in her family.

Alva was preceded in death by: her parents, Robert and Nannie Miller; her brothers, Edward "Red" Miller, Robert Miller, Jr., Sherman Miller, and Willie L. Miller; her sisters, Evelyn Jemison, Oradyne Archie, Marion Bell, Susie Mae Bush, and Georgia Mae Brown.

Loving memories remain with: her daughters, Teresa Ann Chatman, Sheila Chatman (Calvin) Ball; her son, Rodney (LaVonda) Chatman; two sisters-in-law, Betty Miller and Johnnie Miller, who was her very best friend on this side of the earth (Two Peas in a Pod); seven grandchildren; Dana Chatman, Tineeka Chatman, Bradley (Tierra) Ball, Tiana Chatman, Rodney L. Chatman, Brenton Ball, and Reagan Chatman; eleven great, grandchildren, Xavier Chatman, Amari Fields, Brooklyn Ball, A'Niyah Chatman, Jaden Elston, Toryn Smith, Jeremy Chatman. Serenity Chatman, Bradleigh Ball, Maverick Turner, and Aubrie Ball; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, MAMA, GRANDMA, GREAT GRANDMA slept away to be with her Master. The dates tell us when she came and when she left. But in the end, it is not the dates that tell the story. It is the Dash!