Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Abernathy Miller

Charlotte, NC

April 1, 1938- January 11, 2016

Mary Abernathy Miller, aged 77, passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side on January 11, 2016, after a brief illness. We mourn her passing, but celebrate her life, as she was a special gift to all that knew her. She was strong, independent, and fiercely protective of those she loved. Mary was a caring mother and grandmother, dedicated wife, and the most loyal of friends. While those left behind to continue life’s journey do so with the heaviness of heart that grief bestows, we do so knowing she traveled as she would have wished, and now knows no more pain.

Mary was preceded in death by her mother, Lottie Crouse, and is survived by her husband of 59 years, Don Miller, sons Rick (wife Laura) and Darren, and her beloved granddaughter Hannah. Mary graduated from North Mecklenburg High School, and was employed early in her career at the Charlotte Observer. She was a long-time employee of Barclays American, and made many lifelong friends there.

She was strong, but reveled in all things feminine. She loved soft pastels, pretty pins- dragonflies were her favorite- and was ever stylish. She enjoyed camping in their RV’s, the best part the people met along the way, and she adored their beach place, and its sunny style is Mary personified. In later years she gave richly of herself in the care of Hannah, and nothing could light up her face more than Hannah’s smile.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held Saturday, January 16, in the Paul Helton Chapel at Forest Lawn West, 4601 Freedom Dr, Charlotte. Visitation for family and friends is at 1:00pm, and the Memorial at 2:00pm. Memorials may be made to the RETT Foundation at rettsyndrome.org

Offer condolences through forestlawnwest.com