If you are reading this, I’ve passed away. It was my decision to go into hospice at home April 14 instead of spending my last days in a hospital. You can say the tally is Mary 3: Cancer 0 because I didn’t want the cancer to take away from my quality time this beautiful spring. The hardest part was saying goodbye so instead I choose to say “See you on the other side.” I do believe we will all see each other again.
I’ve lived a full life for my 90 and 3/4s years! I’ve had the time of my life traveling the world with my late husband, Ben. I’ve seen the falls in Hawaii from a helicopter; the clearest waters of Bora Bora; the stunning beaches of Tahiti; and the Indian Villages in New Mexico. I swam with dolphins; scuba dived with barracuda; and deep-sea fished for king mackerel. I’ve shown and jumped horses; delivered a calf; and had lovable, protective German Shepherds. I’ve gone white water rafting in Big Bend; camping in the Smokies; and sight-seeing in the Grand Canyon. In life’s everyday moments I’ve laughed until it hurt; ate seafood until I was miserable; and enjoyed the singing birds and sound of wind chimes in the breeze. I’m so grateful for my family, friends, and my long life.
I loved my years nursing! – from ER and ambulances at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem, VA, hospitals in OH and Danville, VA, to the Hercules Ammunition Plant and then as plant nurse for over 30 years at the Lynchburg Foundry in Radford, VA. There were so many hardworking wonderful people there who became my lifelong friends.
After retirement, taking classes at the John Campbell Folk School in GA changed our lives. I built a raku kiln; made pottery; traveled to area shows; and sold art in the galleries of north Georgia. Age made me give that up so in my 80s I learned to make Iris-fold cards and create abstract paintings. In all this the message is “You are never too old to learn something new.” I even helped my daughter set up a website to get the message across.
My friends agree it is important to keep up with technology as you age. I probably set the record as the most censored 90 year old on FaceBook. Always look closely at who is trying to censor. I believe you should always speak up. “Not to speak is the speak.” See you on the other side – amo-te.
Mary’s legacy will always be sharing her love and kindness. She always made others feel special through her cards, art, and time.
“When our time on this earth is done, money or material things will not matter, but the love, time and kindness we’ve given others will shine and live on forever.” – Anonymous
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Mary Eileen Surratt Miller passed away April 26 peacefully at home in Flowery Branch, GA. She was born in 1931 to the late Harley and Pauline Surratt of Hillsville, VA. She was preceded in death by her sister, Elsie Swink, and her husband, Benton Miller. She is survived by her daughter, Sandy Osborne LaPlante and husband Rick of Flowery Branch, GA; and her extended family she loved as her own - Bob Calhoun, his wife Yoko, son James of Marietta, GA, and daughter Chelsea Whitt of High Point, NC; and her two cat angels Zoro and Misty.
She is also survived by her dear “family of friends”, her two nephews, her six nieces, one cousin, and her brothers / sister-in-law.
Family of Friends: Edna Baker of Lawrenceville, GA; Barbara Evans of Hiawassee, GA; Barbara Coffman of Greensboro, GA; Dottie Martin of Vero Beach, FL; Maria Duben of Hiawassee, GA; Michelle Brooks of Lawrenceville. GA; and Leslie and Doug Grantham of Buford, GA.
Nephews: Tony Swink and Bob Vass and his wife Loretta of Hillsville, VA. Nieces: Donna Simpkins and husband Richard of Hillsville, VA; Ann White Vincil and Wayne Goff of Richmond, VA; Vera White Tittle and husband Mel of Lubbock, TX; and Sallie White Swearingen of Boerne, TX; Dana Osborne White and husband Donald of Hillsville, VA; and Susan Osborne Delp and husband John of Independence, VA. Cousin: Jean Levin of Potomac, MD. Brothers-in-law: David Miller of Naples, FL; and Steve Miller and wife, Sue, of New Hope, PA. Sister-in-law: Brenda Miller of Williamsburg, VA.
A private memorial will be held at a later date.
If you are so inclined, donations are welcomed in her memory at Judicial Watch, a 501© nonprofit organization. Mary was a fervent follower, believing no one should be above the law. judicialwatch.org
Cremation arrangements are handled by Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, GA 30542. On-line condolences can be expressed at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com
