Mary Louise Miller

Mary Louise Lankford Miller, age 86, of Chattanooga, died Thursday, March 17, 2011 in a local hospital. She was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, attended East Chattanooga Elementary School, Hardy Junior High School, Central High School and was a graduate of Edmonson Business College. Born Mary Louise Lankford in 1924, “Lou” married Ben F. Miller, Jr. on Valentine’s Day 1947. Mrs. Miller was appointed to the County Commission after her husband’s death and served from 2004 until 2006. A sharp dresser with radiant red hair, Mrs. Miller was known for her attention to detail, doing her homework, and never being shy about her opinions. She enjoyed gardening, fishing and bird watching.

Mrs. Miller had a busy career of her own, retiring after 20 years as Director of the Chattanooga Human Services Main Street Neighborhood Service Center. She was a member of Brainerd Presbyterian Church, EPC.

She was a Charter member of Highland Park Community Council and East Side Jr. High Band Boosters. She was an active member of East Lake Community Council, Highland Park Lioness, Highland Park Garden Club, and Ferger Place Garden Club. She was an officer in the St. Elmo Garden Club, Scenic Cities Beautiful Commission,and Highland Park Elementary Elementary School PTA. She also held a PTA Life Membership and was Charter Vice-President Ferger Place Historical Organization. She was Past Worthy Matron East Lake OES, #238 and held a 50 year membership. She also held membership in the Young Democrats and Democratic Women’s Club.

Mrs. Miller was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, County Commissioner Ben F. Miller, Jr.; parents, John and Nola Lankford, and many brothers and sisters.

Survived by son, Ben F. Miller III and his wife, Carolyn of Chattanooga; daughter, Sally M. Lassiter and her husband, Bill of Guild, Tennessee; grandchildren , Benjamin F. Miller, IV, and his wife Amy of Denver, Colorado; Rebecca Lee Miller of Denver, Colorado, Logan Carmichael of Jasper, Tennessee and great granddaughter Adalyn Elizabeth Miller of Denver, Colorado. She also had several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday at 4:30 P.M. at the Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel with The Honorable Judge Bob Moon, Rev. Ronald Ragon and Rev. Jonathan Schwartz officiating. Burial will be at Chattanooga National Cemetery on Monday at 9:30 A.M. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 2 PM to 4 PM and on Sunday from 2 PM to

4 PM at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Members of the Session at Brainerd Presbyterian Church and Deacon Robert E. Hill. Honorary pallbearers will be former and present Hamilton County elected officials.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Brainerd Presbyterian Church EPC, 1624 Jenkins Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412.