Miriam Elizabeth Daniels Miller (1929-2022)

Miriam Miller, 93, of Springfield, MO was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 17, 2022. A faithful believer all her life, Miriam once wrote in a journal, "I am not sure what heaven will be like but I know I will be happy there."

Miriam lived with great joy. Born the only child of Frank and Catherine Daniels on May 6, 1929, she was raised in South Carolina and lived in a large family home shared by her mother, grandmother, aunts, an uncle, and cousins. She dreamt of having a large family of her own; a dream that was realized when she met a young soldier stationed at Fort Jackson, her future husband, Elzie Miller.

Miriam and Elzie's married life began on December 19, 1948, just one day after he was discharged from the Army. They spent their wedding night on a Missouri bound bus headed to celebrate Christmas with Elzie's parents and seven siblings. The experience of playing in the snow for the first time, surrounded by the brothers and sisters she had always wished for, was a memory that Miriam always remembered.

In 1949, Miriam and Elzie moved to Kirksville, MO so that Elzie could attend college. That's where their first two boys, Irvin and Jim, were born. Their journey took them to Kansas City for dental school in 1952 and later to Springfield, MO where they would spend the rest of their lives. In Springfield, they welcomed two more children to their family, David and Elizabeth.

Miriam cherished her family. Being a mother, and later a grandmother and great-grandmother, brought her the deepest happiness. She was always present, quick to say "I love you" or serve as a room mother, troop leader, or cheerleader at any event. Miriam was kind, loving, and giving. It was easy to see God living in Miriam's life.

Miriam was an active member of University Heights Baptist Church for over 60 years. She sang in the University Heights choir, wrote poems, painted, and began most days of her adult life with a vigorous swim. Miriam volunteered at Mercy Hospital, Juanita K Hall for Performing Arts, and Meals on Wheels. After her children were grown, she spent 15 years working for Weight Watchers. Throughout all her various interests, Miriam brought the same enthusiasm and contagious happiness.

Miriam was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Catherine Daniels, her husband, Elzie Irvin Miller Jr., and a Grandaughter, Jimmi Elizabeth Klousia.  She is survived by her children, Elzie Irvin Miller III (Linda), James Alan Miller, David Daniels Miller, and Elizabeth Ann Klousia (James). She is also remembered by her grandchildren, Clint Miller (Rachel), Brent Miller(Cate), and Micah Klousia(Mikayla), great grandchildren Esther, Elijah, Grace, Mckay, Hannah, and Jude, plus a loving collection of brother and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday, August 23, at 10:00 a.m.