Miss Miriam Cornelia Boland

Miriam Cornelia Boland died peacefully at her home on June 5, 2024 in Atlanta where she lived her entire life. Born June 6, 1926, to Levi Calhoun Boland, Jr. and Cornelia Jones Boland in Atlanta, Georgia. Miriam left this earth one day shy of her 98th birthday.

She was an only child and never married; yet Miriam lived life to the fullest. She stayed involved with friends, relatives and her neighbors.

Miriam attended Girls’ High School before graduating from Wesleyan College in Macon in 1948 with a degree in Library Science. She worked as head Librarian at the Georgia Department of Human Resources. She earned her Master of Librarianship from Emory University in Atlanta in 1967.

After her retirement in 1985 from the State of Georgia, Miriam volunteered with the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and later was asked to work part time as the librarian.

Miriam was an active participant in her beloved Virginia-Highland neighborhood. She knew many of her neighbors. Miriam had earned the Georgia Master Gardener Certification and loved tending her flowers and watching birds in her yard. She eagerly awaited the arrival of hummingbirds each Spring.

Until a leg fracture slowed her down, she would walk the neighborhood everyday with her beloved dogs, Caesar and Sam.

Miriam spoke often of meeting and shaking hands with Clark Gable when he was in Atlanta for the premiere of Gone with the Wind.

Miriam was a woman who lived her life with a deep passion for books and a love for learning. Her dedication to education extended beyond her own pursuits, as she found great joy in helping others discover the magic of knowledge. A lifelong bibliophile, Miriam had a particular fondness for paper books. Those who knew her well may fondly recall Miriam's concern, when e-readers first emerged, that they might replace traditional paper books.

Miriam's loyalty was evident in her support for Georgia Tech, her father's alma mater. She was a dedicated fan, always cheering for the Yellow Jackets and taking pride in the legacy her father had left.

We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Miriam’s neighbors and friends for all the help, care, and love extended to her over these many years. Because of that Miriam was able to stay in her home.

Friends, Neighbors and Family are invited to Miriam’s graveside service on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 10:00 am at Decatur City Cemetery, 229 Bell Street, Decatur, Georgia. Section 10. The Rev. Dr. Rodney J Hunter officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Atlanta Humane Society. https://atlantahumane.org/