Mary Louise Miller, of Austin, Texas, was born on November 17, 1918, in Evergreen, Alabama. She was the fourth of six children born to Gordon and Jessie Cosper Worley. Dr. Worley was a college educator and in 1933, the family moved to Austin so the children could attend The University of Texas. The family home was close to campus, and Louise remembered fun days of roller skating around the buildings.
At the age of 19, Louise received a BBA degree from the University of Texas and interviewed for a job at the newly created Texas Bar Association, the forerunner of the State Bar of Texas. She was proud to be selected as the second employee of the new agency. This position helped to fuel her interest in politics and State government throughout her life.
While she attended The University of Texas, Louise met, and, in 1940, married her husband of 58 years, Doughty Miller. As a CPA, Doughty spent his career with the LCRA and retired from the Authority as Director of Finance.
Louise's career spanned varied positions within State government offices to include the Texas House of Representatives, the Texas Senate, the Secretary of State, and the Attorney General's Office over a span of more than 20 years.
Although she established her own career, her family was always her first priority. She and Doughty raised two sons, and her commitment, concern and care for them only ended with her passing. Just as importantly, she loved and was dedicated to Doughty, to her mother and father and to all her siblings, and helped provide care and support for all of them whenever needed, and over the entire term of her, and their lives.
She found time to give back to the community as well. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, and active in PTA and school affairs of the boys. Louise joined University United Methodist Church in 1935 and was an 83-year member. She was a 53-year member of the Settlement Club of Austin. Louise was a Founding member with a 60 plus year tenure in the Wednesday Morning Sewing Club. In addition, she was a Founding member of the Northwest Hills Garden Club, and served as its final President. Louise also loved being at the "camp house" on the Pedernales River, where she and Doughty purchased land and built a house, and where the family lived in the summers
She and Doughty traveled extensively in the United States and Europe, and they would "let a flat" for the month in London to use as a base for further travels.
Louise delighted in entertaining in her home, and well into her 90's at her apartment at Westminster Manor. She was a masterful cook, and she generously shared many chocolate cakes with family and friends. The popular cake recipe was published in the newspaper (though the family suspects, a few key ingredients may have been omitted.)
Louise had a smile that brightened any gathering. Her absence will be deeply felt by friends of many years and by her family, who simply adored her.
She is survived by son, Barry, and wife, Emily Miller, of Zephyr, Texas and son, Stephen, and wife, Kaye Hilgers Miller, of Austin, Texas. Grandchildren, Brant Miller and wife, Sarah Tankersley Miller, of Austin, Texas and Dr. Shane Miller and wife, Lauren Przybyl Miller, of Plano, Texas. Great-grandchildren Blakeley and Woods Miller, and Landry and Beck Miller. Sister, Eugenia Worley Schoch, of Austin, Texas, and many beloved nieces and nephews, spread across the country.
A private graveside service is scheduled.
If you wish, a donation in Louise's memory may be sent to:
The Settlement Home (www.settlementhome.org)
Helping Hand Home (www.helpinghandhome.org)
Or, to an organization of your choice.
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