Margaret Louise Miller

Margaret Louise Brumley Miller of Concord, NC, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 25, 2012 in Concord, NC. She was 90 years old. Beloved Wife and Mother, Musician, Teacher and Friend, Louise will be remembered as someone who lived her life to the fullest, taking pleasure from what each day held. She had a generous spirit and gave freely of her time and talents in service to her church and community. Louise's parents were Arthur Williamson and Esther Lenora Untz Brumley and she grew up in the family home on South Spring Street. She attended public schools and graduated from Concord High School. The Brumleys were lifelong members of First Presbyterian Church where Louise's gifts for music and her soprano voice were nurtured. She graduated from Queens College (University), Charlotte, in June, 1943 with a BA in French and a minor in English. Louise participated in many activities and was a member of Phi Mu sorority as well as President of her dormitory. Her talents as a soloist grew and she became involved in various choirs and performed at weddings and as a featured soloist at various churches in the area including First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte. She would continue to perform as a soloist for several decades to follow. Louise married Lt. Ned Krimminger Miller of the St. John's Community in Concord, at First Presbyterian Church on June 9, 1943. They were married for 61 years. Soon after her marriage, she taught French and English at Harrisburg High School as Ned flew in the Pacific during World War II. Upon his return, she was an Air Force Officer's wife until Ned's retirement as a Major in 1963. They moved together to duty stations in Okinawa, Etain and Chateauroux, France, San Antonio, TX, Arlington, VA, O'Fallon, Illinois and Cocoa Beach, Florida. Their three children were born at Pope AFB, Fayetteville, NC (Kim), Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, AL (Karen) and Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan (Keith). Louise loved travel and experiencing a diversity of cultures and their peoples. She traveled throughout the US, Canada and Europe visiting over 20 countries in her lifetime. She was active in the life of the military community as well and volunteered in many service organizations including Girl and Cub Scouts, military family services and the base church where she sang in multiple services each week. Louise came home to the St. John's Community in 1963 to live on the Miller family homestead. She returned to teaching French and English at Odell High School and transferred to Mt. Pleasant where she taught French. She loved teaching and recognized the potential in each of her students. She opened a world to them with trips to French restaurants and French-speaking Quebec, Canada. She never tired of hearing greetings of "Bonjour" from former students that she met through the years. Louise also sponsored the Beta Club and directed Senior Class plays. She retired in 1984 with 22 years of teaching in Cabarrus County Schools. She was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, teaching society, where she was elected Treasurer and served on many committees and NCRSO, for retired school personnel. Louise was active in St. John's Lutheran Church and community service and cultural organizations throughout her life. She sang in the St. John's Choir, served on the Worship and Music committee among others and was an active member of the Margaret Shipton Circle. Upon a request from teenagers in the church, she formed the first Youth Choir at St. John's. Louise was a member of the Salvation Army Auxiliary, Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society, Old Courthouse Theatre and Kan-La-Con Concerts Series, of which she was an original member. She attended and supported many theatrical and musical events in the area. She continued to travel after retirement and revisited Europe, toured Canada and much of the US during that time. She joined a bridge club with friends with whom she enjoyed playing for many years. Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Major Ned K. Miller (USAF, Retired), her parents, her beloved sister, Eugenia Brumley, mother and father in law Amanda and Guy C. Miller, and sisters-in-law, Betty Galardi, and husband, Frank, and Eva Readling and husband, Bill. She valued her family and is survived by her three children, Ned Krimminger "Kim" Miller, II and his wife, Betty of Concord; Karen Eugenia and her husband, Randy Miller of Charlotte; and, Dr. Keith Brumley Miller and his wife, Nancy of Concord; five grandchildren, Lori Miller Pittard and her husband, Charlie (Mt. Pleasant) ; Kasey Miller and wife, Kimberly (Odenton, MD); Hunter Miller (Charlotte); ENS Andrew Miller USN (Mayport NS, FL) and Emily Miller (Charlotte) and four great-grandchildren, Jason, Noah and Riece Pittard and Rebecca Anne Miller. She was blessed with Galardi and Readling nieces and nephews whom she loved and dozens of Untz and Brumley cousins with whom she shared treasured memories. The family wishes to thank the Staff and Caregivers from Home Instead Senior Care and health care from Advance Home Care of Concord who helped Mom live at home until her death. We especially extend our gratitude and appreciation to Caregivers Diane Deese, Patricia McClure and Angelica Goodman and, her home nurse, Lila Barnhardt for their love and commitment to her well being and care. Her family will receive visitors at Gordon Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant on Sunday, October 28th from 4-6pm. Funeral services will held at St. John's Lutheran Church, Concord, Monday, October 29th at 4pm with graveside services to follow. The family will be at the home of Kim and Betty Miller, 5980 Highway 73 East, Concord. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to St. John's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, The Salvation Army Auxiliary, Concord or Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society, Mt. Pleasant.