Margaret Harrell Miller

Margaret Harrell Miller, 94, of Asheville, NC and formerly of Morganton, died Sunday March 14, 2010 at her home in the Wood Assisted Living Center of Givens Estates. Mrs. Miller was born on November 6, 1915 in St. Marys, Georgia and was a daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Luther Alonzo Harrell and Mary Elizabeth Quillian Harrell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Ralph Miller, brothers, Rev. Dr. William A. Harrell and his wife, Elia, and Luther A. Harrell, Jr. As a daughter of a Methodist minister Margaret’s family moved often, and she grew up in communities in South Georgia. She graduated from Andrew College in Cuthbert, GA with an associates degree and from Wesleyan College in Macon, GA with her bachelors degree. Margaret went on to receive her master’s degree in religious history from Duke University and had completed most of her studies toward her doctorate degree while her husband completed his divinity degree. Margaret taught in public schools in Durham, NC. As she followed her husband’s ministry, she lived throughout Western North Carolina.In 1964 Margaret and her husband, Rev. Ralph Miller moved to Morganton when he became chaplain at the then Western Carolina Center. She taught high school math at both Glen Alpine High and Freedom High Schools and was a member of the Pilot Club of Morganton. She was a member of Skyland United Methodist Church in Asheville and was a former member of First United Methodist Church, Morganton where she taught Sunday School.Surviving are her children, Ralph H. Miller and wife, Gail, of Charlotte, Marie M. Lowdermilk and husband, Gene, of Morganton, Sarah M. Nuttall and husband, Doug, of Candler, Kathryn M. McIntyre and husband, Loring, of Swannanoa, and Allen G. Miller of Asheville; grandchildren, Emily L. Keathley and husband, Kenny, of Morganton; Ellen Nuttall and Ben Nuttall, Meghan Schronce and husband, Jason, and Rachel McIntyre; great-grandchildren, Ella Grace and Nora Kate Keathley; her sister, Maria L. Harrell of Asheville; nephew, William "Bill" Harrell and wife, Karen; and niece, Mary Harrell.A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at Burke Memorial Park, Morganton, NC with Rev. W. Gerald Davis officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the UMAR Home (United Methodist Agency for the Retarded), PO Box 1558 Huntersville, NC 28070. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.