Mary Katherine Robinson

Dear Members and Friends of Black Mountain Presbyterian Church,

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. – Psalm 103

If there ever was a verse of scripture that represented the grace filled life of Patrick D. Miller most poignantly, the refrain of Psalm 103 was chosen by God for him. The verses of this most sacred text walked along as a close companion in the sacred filled moments of the Miller family’s life. Often shared at weddings, funerals, and baptisms, Pat’s life and faith embodied the refrain of this magnificent Psalm of praise.

While Pat’s vocations were primarily teaching and scholarship, his pastoral presence was often felt by fellow professors and students alike. In his opening lecture every year, Pat would often say to his students, “There will be days in ministry when you have nothing to say but you can always turn to scripture. It will speak when you can’t.” And then he would start to recite the Psalms. His southern drawl, warmth, humor, and passion made a meaningful difference in his students’ interpretation and exegesis of the Old Testament.

His life of faith began in the waters of baptism and was strengthened at the table of our Lord Jesus Christ. He lived into his baptismal vows by bending low so he could see the people who were way too easily overlooked, often unseen and usually unheard. He saw every person as a child of God. We, the pastors and members, of Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, were generously marked by his presence with us for the last eight years of his life. In the days of grief ahead, may we hold fast to the memories of Pat’s smile, his twinkling blue eyes, his wicked dry sense of humor, and the great compassion and caregiving he gave for many years as he cared for his wife, Mary Ann, before her death. 

The faith to surrender to God’s grace as death approaches is one of the holiest moments to witness. As Pat departed from all whom he loved, and those who so dearly loved him, grace and gratitude were ever-present. In a spirit of generosity to his caregivers and his family, he slipped away from his earthly

home in the early morning hours on Friday, May 1. At this time, details for Pat’s service are incomplete. You may share and enjoy your remembrances of Pat together online until we can be together again by reading and contributing to https://drpdmiller.com.

Please continue to hold Pat’s family: son Jonathan, his spouse Suzy, and their children Isaac and Claudia; son Patrick James, his partner Katie McWeeney, and children Jessica, Rachael, and Alex, and his granddaughter Adeline; sister Belle Miller McMaster and twin sister, Mary Miller Brueggemann, in your prayers. To learn more about Pat’s life, please read here.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Let us sing this great Psalm of affirmation and praise with the chorus of angels welcoming him into heaven this day.

Resurrection blessings to you and all your loved ones,

Mary Katherine Robinson

Pastor and Head of Staff

Black Mountain Presbyterian Church