Obituaries for June 15, 2017

Bernice Layne Nakai-Jackson

CHINLE

Our beloved sister, daughter, grandmother and friend Bernice Layne Nakai-Jackson’s life will be celebrated Friday, June 16, at 10 a.m. at the Chinle Potter’s House Christian Center in Chinle. Bernice’s pastor and close confidant, Artie Aragon, will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Chinle community cemetery.

Bernice peacefully passed on June 10, 2017, surrounded by her family and loved ones in Albuquerque.

Bernice graduated from Northern Arizona University in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. In the same year, she received certification in education from the University of New Mexico. In 2006, she was awarded a master’s of art in educational leadership from Western New Mexico University in Silver City, N.M. She also was a doctoral candidate in educational leadership from Arizona State University.

Prior to Bernice’s passing, she served as a kindergarten teacher at Catherine Miller Elementary School in Church Rock, N.M., a job she savored because of her devotion to early childhood education. She also served as a first grade teacher at Twin Lakes Elementary School for a period. As evidence of her advanced educational knowledge, skills and abilities, she served as assistant principal at Kaibeto Boarding School in Kaibeto, Ariz., from July 2011 through February 2013. She also served as acting executive director for Chinle Boarding School from July 2010 through December 2010 in Many Farms, Ariz.

Moreover, from February 2013 to 2015, she served as principal for Mariano Lake Community School in Mariano, N.M. Her family is so proud of her 24 years dedication to administrative and K-12 educational programs.

Amazingly, Bernice also had time to develop her skills as a master silversmith.

Bernice is survived by her children’s father, Raymond Nakai; sons, Joshua Jordan Nakai and Nathaniel Raymond Nakai; brothers, Tommy R. Jackson Sr., Vernon L. Jackson Sr., and Danny R. Jackson; parents, Gene and Martha Jackson; and two grandchildren.

Bernice is preceded in death by her brother, Michael J. Jackson of Amarillo, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Tommy R. Jackson Sr., Tommy Jackson Jr., Vernon L. Jackson Sr., Vernon L. Jackson Jr., Danny R. Jackson, and Owen J. Jackson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Nathan Nakai, Joshua Nakai, Donavan J. Jackson, and Kempton M. Jackson.

Silver Creek Mortuary will be assisting with arrangements.

Austin Milliken

GRANTS, N.M.

Memorial services for Austin Milliken, 81, of Thoreau, N.M., were held June 10 at the Compassion Mortuary in Grants, N.M. A Celebration of Life followed at Thoreau High School.

Austin was born Feb. 11, 1936, in Murrieta, Okla., to Horace Clifton Milliken and Carrie (Hughes) Milliken. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 30, 2017.

Austin graduated in 1956 from Lone Grove High School in Lone Grove, Okla., where he played football and baseball. He attended Eastern Oklahoma College in Willburton, Okla., where he played football and baseball. He continued his education at Southeastern Oklahoma State College in Durant, Okla., where he graduated and received his teaching degree in health and physical education.

Austin worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for 32 years. During the 32 years with BIA, he was a teacher, a coach and a mentor. After he retired from the BIA, he continued to educate, coach and mentor students as a substitute teacher for the McKinley County School District.

Austin is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Virginia (Redd) Milliken of Thoreau; children, Vivian Grantz and husband Jim of Colton, Calif., Shelia Willie and husband Ronald of Thoreau, Angie Milliken of Gallup, Calvin Milliken of Thoreau, Theresa Milliken of Salt Lake City, Cynthia Asbury and husband James of Dodge City, Kan., and George Milliken and wife Rhonda of Thoreau; sisters, Jerry Arnold of Hilton, Okla., and Jean Searles of South Dakota; and 19 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many more who thought of him as Grandpa Milliken.

Austin is preceded in death by his parents, Horace Clifton Milliken and Carrie (Hughes) Milliken; brothers, Tommy Milliken and Dick Milliken; sister, Rosie Vaughn; and four grandsons.

Compassion Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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