Christina Marie Miller

Christina Marie Miller Miller June 15, 1922 - December 13, 2015 Marie Miller passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 13 in her home surrounded by her family. She was born June 15, 1922, in Yadkin County to the late Grady Wilson and Beatrice Reavis Miller, the fifth of ten children. Marie graduated Nurses Training in Banner Elk, NC, at Grace Hospital, passed her nursing state boards, and married the love of her life, L. Gene Miller, in 1943. After WWII, Marie and Gene settled on the family farm where they have lived their entire lives. Marie was always a progressive lady; ahead of her time as a professional woman. She worked in the medical field over 40 years, first in various medical offices and hospitals as a registered nurse. She was instrumental in establishing the Farmington Medical Center as a satellite office of Bowman Gray, where she began working. She had a strong interest in rural health care and at age 50, she returned to school at UNC-CH for the newly established Nurse Practitioner Certification. Upon completion of that certification, she returned to work for many years at the Farmington Medical Center as Office Manager and certified Nurse Practitioner. She spent her life caring for others, in the medical offices, at her home, and in the homes of sick neighbors and friends. Along with her medical career, she was highly involved in her community, county and state programs, including: Northwest Piedmont Agency on Aging, NC Alzheimer's Association, Senior State Legislative Council on Aging, Advocate for Long-term Care, Piedmont , Chairman of Davie Nursing Homes Advisory Board, NC/White House Council on Aging, President, Davie County AARP, SHIPP volunteer, County coordinator of Extension Services Special projects and Health programs, Davie County Recreation Advisory Board; Chairman, Senior Citizen Advisory Board, She kept herself in good health with daily exercise, good diet, and staying busy. Marie was honored with the Pino-Farmington Most Outstanding Citizen Award in 1970. She was a faithful, active member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist, as long as her health permitted. She was a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, member of various boards, and most important to her, the United Methodist Women. She was instrumental in the fund-raising and planning for the Fellowship Hall of Wesley Chapel. She was actively involved in all projects and fund-raising activities, from baking and peddling chicken pies, and she was in the middle of the kitchen working with the church breakfasts. She was always happy working for her church. Most importantly, she was a loving and devoted mother to her three sons and their families. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, L.Gene Miller of the home in Farmington. Her sons, Lonnie Gene Miller, Michael Anthony Miller (Nancy) and Patrick Carson Miller (Kathy). Grandchildren: Kristin Hall (David) of Carolina Beach, NC; Karin Miller, of Nashville, Tenn; Suzanne Lakey (Bryan) of Advance, NC; Matthew Miller (Laura), Winston Salem, NC.; and seven great grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers Jerry Miller (Gudny), Larry Miller (Rosemary), and Bill Miller (Sue), all of Yadkinville, NC. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She is preceded in death by her parents, and brothers: Grady Wilson Miller, Jr; Charles Miller and John Kermit Miller; and sisters: Sallie Virginia Steelman, Bertha Lee Barnowsky, and Gaynelle Sizemore. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 11:00AM at Wesley Chapel UMC in Mocksville with Rev. Arnold Gosnell officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wesley Chapel UMC Cemetery Fund, 277 Pino Road, Mocksville, NC 27028. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Miller family.