Phyllis “Miller” Mayes was born in Gaffney, SC on May 19, 1944 and entered into rest April 27, 2021. She received a BA in Education with a minor in Psychology from Furman University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Western Carolina University. She was a certified instructor in yoga, trager and obtained her pilot’s license after college. She was not one to be bound by the expected or “the norm.” She lived life passionately, intentionally and purposefully.
She began her career as a teacher and counselor including a year spent in Barranquilla, Colombia, South America. Then served as director of Upward Bound at Western Carolina University. In 1975 she began her endeavor into State Government where she progressed from entry level to the Director of the SC office of Human Resources and then to Assistant Director of the SC Budget and Control Board retiring in 1994.
Miller was the most interesting and “interested” person you could ever hope to know. She loved life, loved to travel and opening her horizons and expanding her world. She was a true champion of people. She had an amazing gift for making everyone feel important and heard. A hug from Miller was a gift and heartfelt. If you knew her, these words will resonate….”Tell me about you...” She was a devoted daughter, sister, friend and aunt. She was dearly loved. Because she was here, many people were touched, changed and immensely loved.
She was predeceased by her dear parents, Lillian Mays Miller and Boyce Miller Jr; and her sister Katie Miller Loftis. She is survived by her sister, Mary Miller Robbins; four nieces and nephews, Stacey Aiken Garrison (Brian), Brian Miller Aiken, Kelly Loftis Lehew (Chad), Sean Loftis; 4 great nieces Olivia Garrison, Courtney Lehew, Chloe Garrison, and Sydney Lehew, Bob Loftis; as well as many cousins and dear friends.
A graveside service honoring her life will be held May 8th, 2021 at 10 am at Springwood Cemetery, 410 N Main St, Greenville, SC 29601.
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