Emily Miss Em Townsend Miller

Emily Townsend Miller, a native and life-long resident of Mobile, died peacefully at home on September 10, 2015. She was predeceased by her son, John Cleveland Hays Miller, junior. She is survived by her granddaughter, Emily Miller Washburn (James), of Atlanta, her grandsons John Cleveland Hays Miller, III, (Julia) of Tuscaloosa, Edward Aubert Roberts Miller, her two great-grandsons Jackson Roberts Washburn and Jesse Townsend Washburn of Atlanta, and her daughter-in-law Susan Ross Miller. She is also survived by two devoted cousins, Mary Elsie Pow of Tuscaloosa, and Anne Larkin Goode of Mobile.

The family appreciates the caregivers Jennifer James, Carolyn Thompson, Tamika Robinson, and especially appreciates the loving care of Felicia Howard.

Mrs. Miller was very active in the cause of historic preservation, serving for many years on the boards of the Mobile Historic Development Corporation and the Museum of Mobile. Her most outstanding achievement came in 1984 when she founded The Friends of Magnolia Cemetery, an organization whose mission is to support the maintenance of the historic cemetery. She was selected as the 2006 Preservationist of Distinction by the Historic Mobile Preservation Society.

“Miss Em” was a life-long member of Government Street Presbyterian Church and delivered Meals on Wheels for twenty-seven years. She treasured her friends in The Sewing Club and her friends and the wonderful years of topics in the As You Like It Club. She delighted in making green things grow and getting her hands dirty. She made delicious green tomato pickles and perfect blackberry jelly. She was an avid pet lover, the owner of many dogs and cats over the years, and she was dedicated to the Mobile SPCA.

A memorial service will be held on Monday September 14 at two o’clock at Government Street Presbyterian Church. Visitation with the family will follow. Pallbearers will be John C. H. Miller, III, Edward Aubert Roberts Miller, James Andrew Washburn, William Alexander Pow, Carey Findley and Wade Foy Perry. Honorary Pallbearer will be Thomas Deal Pow.

The family suggests that memorials be made to The Friends of Magnolia Cemetery, Inc., P.O.Box 6383, Mobile, AL 36660-6383. or to Government Street Presbyterian Church, 300 Government St, 36602.

Arrangements under the direction of Pine Crest Funeral Home, MOBILE, AL.