Christal A. John-Millin

Christal Angela John-Millin was born on March 26, 1961 in The Bronx, NY to Jeanne Niles. At the age of 10, she relocated to St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. and was raised by her grandfather, Raphael Ovaldo Millin. During her formative years, she attended Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School and was a member of the Caribbean Chorale. Christal graduated from high school in 1979 and returned to New York to briefly attend Columbia University before transferring to the University of Detroit, where she majored in communications and pre-law. During her undergraduate education she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Theta Tau chapter. After graduation, she worked for the City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Department.

     While in Detroit, she crossed paths with the man who would eventually become her husband, Charles Waits. Their relationship and engagement brought Christal to Buffalo, NY. She married Charles in the fall of 1988 and they had one child, a son named Khari. Christal continued her higher education and earned a Master’s of Education from Canisius College. Soon after, she began working as a reading specialist with the Buffalo Public Schools. During her almost 20 years of service, she taught at School 43, School 74, and School 93.

      Outside of her professional life, Christal was actively involved with Alpha Kappa Alpha, Gamma Phi Omega chapter and served as the graduate advisor to the young women in the Buffalo area. She was a member of St. Martin dePorres Roman Catholic Church and sang with the choir. Christal was also a member of New Beginnings Choral Ensemble. She is survived by her son, Khari and her husband Charles, along with her sorors, colleagues, friends and family.

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