KWTX salutes McLennan County Commissioner Patricia Chisolm-Miller

WACO, Texas (KWTX) — Patricia Chisholm-Miller spent more than two decades serving McLennan County before voters sent her to the same office she had worked in for years — making her the first woman and first African American woman elected to the McLennan County Commissioners Court.

Early life and education

Chisholm-Miller was born Nov. 10, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York. She moved to Waco at an early age and became heavily involved at Toliver Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in East Waco, where she later became a deaconess following her marriage to Deacon Robert Miller.

She graduated from East Texas State University in Commerce with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. While there, she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. — a commitment she carried into the Waco Delta Alpha Omega Chapter, where she served in a number of roles and on committees, including the Advocate for Social Justice Initiative.

Path to public office

Chisholm-Miller volunteered on the campaign of the late McLennan County Commissioner Lester Gibson, the first Black man elected to the court. She later became his executive assistant, a role she held for 22 years.

In 2018, she was elected to Precinct 2 — the same office she had served for more than two decades — breaking barriers as the first woman and first African American woman elected to the McLennan County Commissioners Court. She was re-elected in 2023.

Legacy and community impact

In her time as commissioner, Chisholm-Miller presented proclamations at community events, worked to improve infrastructure, and advocated for better wages and access to food for those in need.

She was described as a sister, daughter, mentor, aunt, and friend who always made time for others.

Commissioner Patricia Chisholm-Miller gave 28 years of public service to McLennan County residents before she died during her term on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024.

A tree was planted in her honor at Wilbert Austin Park in East Waco in recognition of her commitment to McLennan County.