Mrs. Shirley Cartee Miller Obituary (1937

It is with great sadness that we are sharing the news of the passing of our mother, Shirley Miller of West Point, Mississippi, on June 8, 2024. She was born to Walter Lee and Carrie Lee Cartee in Clay County, Mississippi, on October 1, 1937. Shirley attended Siloam School and graduated from West Point High School in 1955. Upon graduation she attended Draughon’s Practical Business College in Jackson, Mississippi, and graduated in March 1955. Later in life she studied Floral Arrangement and Design at Mississippi State University. She married Bobby Joe Miller on September 8, 1955, in Brandon, Mississippi. They made their home in Long Beach, California, while Bob served in the US Navy. While there, their first child, Marla Darlene Miller, was born. Upon discharge they returned to Clay County, Mississippi and made their home in West Point. Their son, Robert Brian Miller, was born there. Shirley worked at various jobs during her lifetime. During high school, she worked at the Ivy Memorial Hospital as a nurse aide. After her children began school, she was employed as a floral designer with Montgomery’s Flowers and Antiques. She worked there for 15 years before deciding to open her own flower shop. Flowers by Shirley opened June 1, 1977, with a $5000 investment. At one time ‘Miss Shirley’ employed as many as 13 people. She loved her staff like family and mentored them not only professionally but personally. During the 43 years of this business, she served many roles in the Floral Design industry. She served as Vice-President for the North Mississippi Floral Association, Secretary-Treasurer, and Program Director. She served on the Mississippi Floral Association Teleflora Board of Directors for five years and served as Vice President for two years. She hosted many north Mississippi floral seminars and workshops. Her business received many awards. She got great joy in serving the community during all the special times of their lives; school events, marriages, births, anniversaries, birthdays and death of loved ones or just a simple ‘thinking of you’ bouquet. Serving her customers brought her great joy. She grew up attending Enon Baptist Church where she sang in a quartet. Her father was a deacon in that church for 45 years. She and cousin, Tom Goode were baptized on the same day in a little pond not far from the church. As an adult, she was an active member of Siloam Baptist Church and later Calvary Baptist Church in West Point. At Siloam she served in many capacities including Sunday school teacher, Girls’ Auxiliary leader. At Calvary she served as Sunday school teacher, Girls’ Auxiliary Director, Women’s Mission Union President, and pulpit committee member. She taught many bible study groups. Her hobbies and interests included family, gardening, and reading. She enjoyed hosting events like graduation and bridal showers, birthday events, and family gatherings such as the annual Easter dinner on the grounds. She devoted much of her time and energy as a caregiver to family members, including her mother, father, Grandmother, Uncle Carl and several aunts. She was always available to help others in whatever way she could, offering emotional and financial support as well as wise advice. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 12:00-2:00 P.M. at Calvert Funeral Home in West Point. Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 P.M. from Calvert Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. James Towery and Reverend Danny Avery officiating. Burial will follow at Cairo Cemetery in Cedar Bluff. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Bobby Joe Miller. Other predeceased loved ones in her immediate family were her parents, two sisters, Annie Pearl Cartee and Sarah Elizabeth Davis, and a brother, James Travis “Bud” Cartee. There are grandparents and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews as well as most of her close friends who have gone before her. What a glorious reunion she will have with these loved ones! She leaves behind a daughter, Marla M Pickard (Michael), a son, Robert B Miller (Felicia), three grandsons, Will Miller (Macee), Alex Pickard, and Blake Miller; two granddaughters Susan Thomas (Josh), and Sarah Flynn (Will); and four great-grandchildren, Presley Thomas, Shepherd Flynn, Evelyn Miller, and Willow Anna-Faye Flynn, two sisters, Barbara Harmon and Bonnie Benson (Jimmy), sister-in-law, Margie Irby Cartee, and a number of nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Pallbearers will be Zack Harmon, Cody Terry, Terry Benson, Curt Kisner, Chris Cliett, Timmy Cliett, Alan Harmon, and Steve Terry. Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Dustin Markle and Mrs. Beulah Gray. A special mention goes to her incredible caregivers, Barbara Barr, Mary Cox, and Lucy Kelly. We would also like to thank the tender care given to her by North Mississippi Medical Center Home Health nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. “He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.” Rev. 21:4 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me―the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return." 2 Timothy 4: 7-8 We rejoice that our mother can rest in the glory of our Heavenly Father.