Mary Bowler Miller

Mary Bowler Miller, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on October 9, 1930 in West Palm Beach, Florida, to George Trevor Bowler and Ruth Cook Bowler, Mary, better known as Tunkie, lived a life full of adventure, generosity, and beauty.

A proud graduate of Florida State University, Mary was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and earned her Bachelor of Science degree. After graduation, Tunkie moved to Atlanta and worked at Rich’s Department Store. She then began dating the love of her life, Pat, and began her career at Eastern Airlines. There, she developed a passion for travel that became a lifelong love, one she joyfully shared with family and friends throughout her life.

Tunkie was married to Preston Roy Miller Jr., a native Atlantan, for 56 years until his passing in 2018. Together they built a rich life rooted in family, community, a shared appreciation for nature, and friendships developed throughout the years and across the miles.

As an avid traveler, Tunkie always loved to plan the next trip. She and Pat with their sons, Preston and Trevor, explored Jackson Hole many times. Other favorite destinations were summers spent at Sea Island and Lake Summit in North Carolina. She continued to share her love of these places with her grandchildren spending many summers with them in Sea Island and Islesford, Maine creating life-long memories.

A gifted gardener, Mary’s love for the natural world found expression not only in her backyard garden, but also in her deep involvement with numerous organizations. She was a founding member of the Cherokee Garden Club Library at the Atlanta History Center, a founding member of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and a dedicated president of the Herb Society of America. She also served on the board of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, leaving a lasting impact on every institution she touched.

Her vibrant spirit, love of horticulture, and devotion to cultivating both gardens and relationships will be missed by all who knew her.

Tunkie is survived by sons, Preston Roy Miller III (Julie) and Trevor Andrew Miller; and grandchildren, Lazlow Elijah Miller, Taylor Hancock Miller, Preston Roy Miller IV, and Eleanor Morgan Miller.

A memorial service will be held at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, Georgia on May 24, 2025 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Herb Society of America or the Atlanta Botanical Garden in her honor.