Mattie V. (Orange) Miller

She graduated from Hallettsville Colored High School and in 1948 she married Floyd Milton Miller. They were married just a few days short of 57 years.

Mattie was a stay-at-home mom for many years, skillfully managing the family's resources with wisdom and ingenuity. She grew fruits and vegetables and canned them so that the family would have food in the winter, which proved especially valuable when her husband Milton could not do construction work because it was too cold or wet. She was one who believed it's not how much money you make, it's what you keep.

Mattie was the beloved mother of nine children, whom she raised with boundless love, sacrifice, and commitment. Known for her remarkable ability to make each of her children feel as though they were her only one, she maintained special individual relationships with each of them throughout her life. Her strength and perseverance were evident in everything she did, and she led by example, molding her children through her actions rather than just her words.

She believed in celebrations of all types but especially birthdays. Even after her children were grown, there would be a birthday celebration in the month of their birth. She continued to celebrate her mother's birthday up until a couple of years ago.

A woman of deep faith, Mattie enjoyed watching gospel singing on television and regularly attended church services. Mattie was a faithful Christian for over seventy years. She was a member of the Park Street Church of Christ and the Hallettsville Church of Christ. When she moved to Austin, she placed her membership with the Fairview Church of Christ.

She was known for her love of finding a good bargain while shopping and cherished the simple joys of life—late-night conversations filled with laughter, rides around town with loved ones, and quality time spent with family and friends.

After moving to Austin, Mattie remained especially close to her family, living near her children and maintaining vibrant, loving relationships with them well into her later years. She was a devoted caregiver to her husband and a constant source of wisdom, comfort, and friendship to her children.

Mattie's legacy lives on through the values she instilled in her family—love, faith, perseverance, and the importance of cherishing time together. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband Floyd Milton Miller; parents William Bluford and Arelia Orange; sisters Lillie Mae Leaks, Thelma B. Lockett, Irene Lockridge, Albertha Huckaby, and Anita Autry; brother Mack Perry Orange; son-in-law Robert Dixon; and grandson Malachi Williams.

She is survived by nine children: Floyd (Marilyn) Miller, Mattie Dixon, Elbert Wayne (Joan) Miller, Joyce (Ricardo) Cisco, Kenneth Miller, Dennis (Flecia) Miller, Gary Miller, Phil (Mandy) Miller, and Andrew (Debra) Miller; sister Doris Johnson Berry; 24 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends,