With her daughter by her side.
Mrs. Miller was born on February 10, 1934 in Stephenville, TX, daughter of the late Burton C. and Sarah Elizabeth Reese.
She attended Tarlton State University and the University of Texas in Austin. She married Gene A. Miller (who attend Texas A&M) in San Antonio, TX in 1955. Gene told her on their first date that he was going to marry her and she thought he was nuts. This “house divided” (an Aggie/a Longhorn) lived in harmony for 61 years until Gene’s death in 2017.
The first 25 years of their marriage was spent with Gene serving our country in the United States Air Force. Carolyn made a comfortable and beautiful home everywhere they were stationed. The following 20 years she worked by his side serving their community through United Way of Houston County, GA.
She was always involved in a number of clubs and service organizations such as Trinity United Methodist Church, Hope Sunday School Class, various bowling leagues and bridge groups. She worked with Therapy Dogs, Meals on Wheels, American Red Cross American Heart Association and Special Olympics. She fostered several dogs over the years for families who had to be temporarily separated from their pets.
These are the things she did – but let me tell you about who she was. She always conducted herself with class, dignity and elegance even in the most difficult times. She was always dressed to the “nines”. She was the first to laugh with you and cry with you. She had a tender heart and was very protective to those she loved. She may have been little (4’ 7” in height in the end), but she stood her ground with no problem. She spoiled many of us throughout her life (including several dogs). She enjoyed fishing but only if they were biting. She loved to read until her sight failed her due to macular degeneration. She mostly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was always excited when she could share accomplishments, anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays with those she loved.
As her daughter, I drew the lottery jackpot when it comes to parents. There was love and support from the beginning. Mother was my first best friend and confidant my entire life. She and I spent a lot of time together when my father was gone with the military. She introduced me to museums, theater, sewing, dance, bowling, travel, tennis, swimming and she even attempted to teach me to cook (never got the results she could get). I volunteered her for many things growing up with school and other outside activities. My favorite was when I volunteered her to be the Girl Scout Cookie Chairman and our basement was filled with cases of cookies for the entire base in Wurtsmith AFB in Oscoda MI. She was my Matron of Honor at my wedding and she stayed with me after the births of my children and later on with surgeries. We laughed, we cried and we gave my father a hard time. She was a true treasure and will be missed greatly by many.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband, Gene A. Miller; brother Robert B. Reese; and sister and brother-in-law, Lavonne and Frank Reue.
Survivors include daughter, Sherry (Mike) Abernathy; grandchildren Andy (Amber) Abernathy, Cliff Abernathy, and Amber Abernathy; great grandchildren, Gavin Tatum, Alexa Abernathy, Brayden Golyer, Olivia Abernathy, Dylan Golyer, Emilia Golyer and Rhett Abernathy; sister-in-law, Ginni Reese and several nieces and nephews.
A big shout out to the outstanding crew of The Fountains of Cartersville for your friendships and tender care of our family treasure – Carolyn Miller.
Graveside services will be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 26th of March, 2024 at The Georgia National Cemetery with Rev. Kenny Jacobs officiating. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from nine o'clock in the morning until ten on Tuesday, the 26th of March, 2024 at Owen Funeral Home.
Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to post tributes and sign the online register book.
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