Obituary of Ms. Theslyn Liscellie Miller
Theslyn Liscellie Miller, affectionately known as Grandma, Sis, and Aunt Tes, entered eternal rest on November 28, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on January 6, 1934, in Jamaica, Theslyn was the eldest of ten children (Earle Sawyers, Ellerton Sawyers (deceased), Eccles Sawyers, Euford Sawyers (deceased), Egbert Sawyers, Clive Sawyers, Janet Brown, Jasmine Eames, and Eulit Burton), and she also shared a cherished paternal family connection with her siblings Vollin Miller, Beryl Miller-McLean, and Ivor Miller, all of whom predeceased her. She embodied the quiet strength, grace, and resilience that would define her life and legacy.
Theslyn’s journey was one marked by courage, ambition, and an unwavering dedication to personal growth. In Jamaica, she began her professional life as a teacher, nurturing young minds with patience and diligence. Seeking greater opportunities, she migrated first to the United States, where she lived and worked for several years before eventually settling in Montreal. There, she held a position in a law office and pursued higher education with determination—earning her Bachelor of Commerce degree through night classes while working full-time. Her commitment to education and advancement was a testament to her discipline, perseverance, and belief in a better future.
After relocating to Toronto, Theslyn built a distinguished career at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), where she served for many years as a respected bank officer at the Head Office. She was known by colleagues as reliable, professional, and warm-hearted—a woman whose integrity and presence left a lasting impression on everyone she worked with.
A devoted Anglican and long-standing member of The Church of St. Andrew, Theslyn supported church life faithfully and lived out her beliefs with humility and grace. Her faith was steady and sincere—reflected not in grand gestures, but in how she treated others, carried herself, and remained steadfast through every season of life.
Theslyn was predeceased by her beloved son, whose memory she carried tenderly. In a testament to her boundless love, she adopted her granddaughter, Ava Onwudegwu, as her own daughter—cultivating a relationship marked by depth, tenderness, and unwavering connection. She also embraced Ava’s husband, Kingsley, loving him as a cherished son and deeply valuing the honour, steadiness, and affection he brought into her life. Their relationship was one of mutual love, respect, and genuine family connection.
Her legacy continues through Ava, her adored great-granddaughter Kavah Onwudegwu, and all those whose lives were shaped by her wisdom, elegance, and generosity. She was the anchor of her family—steady, dignified, compassionate, and dependable. Her home was a place of warmth; her counsel was sought after; her presence brought a sense of peace and stability. She poured love into her siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and community, each holding her in the highest regard.
Theslyn is survived by her granddaughter and daughter Ava, her beloved son-in-love Kingsley, her precious great-granddaughter Kavah, her siblings (Earle Sawyers, Ellerton Sawyers (deceased), Eccles Sawyers, Euford Sawyers (deceased), Egbert Sawyers, Clive Sawyers, Janet Brown, Jasmine Eames and Eulit Burton), nieces, nephews, cousins, and her St. Andrew’s Anglican Church family. Her memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family expresses profound gratitude for the prayers, support, and kindness shown during this time of mourning. May her life of strength, faith, and unwavering love remain an enduring testimony to God’s grace.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.” — Psalm 116:15
May her soul rest in eternal peace and rise in glory.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations, in Theslyn's name, to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated.
