Otis Miller

Mrs. Otis Ferguson Miller, age 89, of Long Beach, died on Friday, July 23, 2010 in Gulfport.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Jeff Miller and her parents, Madge Smith Ferguson and Irvin Lee Ferguson.
She is survived by her daughter and three sons; Janis Miller Brannon and David, Jeff Miller and Jimmie Jane, Jerry Miller and Margaret, Jack Miller and Lorraine. Mrs. Miller has 10 grandchildren, Jessica Rawlins, Jamie Rawlins Bunkheila and Salem, Jeffrey Miller and Cathie, James Miller and Jeri, Donna Miller Willis, Jerry Miller, Jr. and Makayla, Jennifer Merchant and Lee, Matt Miller and John Lanier, Patrick Brannon and Jill, and Benjamin Brannon. There are 11 great grandchildren, Sophia Miller, Chloe Miller, Xavier Burgess, Justin Miller, Jon Miller, Jharrod Willis, Jackson Willis, Shelby Willis, Nick Miller, Brooke Miller Simmons and John, and Amanda Bryant. She had four great-great grandchildren, Madison Simmons, MacKenzie Simmons, Dylan Bryant, and Ashlyn Bryant.
She was a 1939 Graduate of Gulfport High School. She married Claude Miller in January of 1940. She was active in the community serving as Girl Scout Leader, Den Mother for Cub Scouts, charter member of the Ocean Wave Quilting Club in Long Beach and in earlier years was active in the Garden Club. She was a Life Time Member of PTA. Mrs. Miller worked as the school secretary at Harper McCaughn Elementary/Jeff Davis Avenue Elementary for 18 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Long Beach for nearly 70 years, and taught Preschool Sunday School for 25 years. She served on numerous committees over the years and faithfully supported the ministries of the church.
Otis was always young at heart, and her love of life warmed everyone she encountered. As a voracious reader, she never stopped learning and enjoyed lively and witty conversations with family, friends, and anyone who could spare a moment to talk. Her sparkling blue eyes always reflected her spirited personality, and her beautiful smile became even more radiant during the last six months of her life. She will stay forever young in our memories.
The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the angels God delivered to help us care for Mother while she remained at home following her stroke. Emma, and her daughter Jackie, gave Mother the tender love and attention during the day that allowed us to work. Their expert care and compassion allowed Mother to maintain her dignity and humor during difficult times. Our thanks to Joyce and Joy for weekend care. We appreciate Dr. Blanks and the staff at Lakeview for lovingly watching over her during the last few months.
There will be a Celebration of Life service on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Long Beach and the visitation will be on Monday, July 26, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach. Burial will be in the Long Beach City Cemetery.
An online obituary may be viewed and a guestbook signed at www.riemannfamily.com.