Thelma Lee DeMetz Miller

Thelma Lee DeMetz Miller passed away peacefully on May 23, 2011 at Gulfport Memorial Hospital surrounded by family. Thelma was born October 8, 1916 in the family home on 2nd Street in Pass Christian, the youngest child of Adolph Isadore and Mary Catherine "Molly" McDonald DeMetz. She was the loving, devoted wife for 65 years to the late Major (Retired) Robert Louis Miller, Sr, until his death in 2008. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers & sisters: Charles, Mary Catherine, Adolph, Fred, Donald, Robert, John, and George DeMetz, Isabelle DeMetz Terrell, and Christine DeMetz Taylor. She was the granddaughter of French immigrants Charles Francois & Josephine Patenotte DeMetz and Irish immigrants Charles & Catherine Butler McDonald. She is survived by her 9 children: Molly Stillinger (Michael), Sally Baughman (Michael), Susan Miller, Robert "Skipper", Catherine Nelson (Carl), Nancy Graben (Steve), Jennifer Jacques (Michael), Laurie Jackson (Chip), and Zan Miller; 26 grandchildren: Wendi Hedges, Carrie Fontan, Beaux & Brian Mustin, Christopher & Benjamin Baughman, Elizabeth Smith, Trey, Amelia & Jonathan Nelson, Andrew & Katelyn Graben, LeeAnn Hanshew, Amie, Jerry & Amanda Overby, Megan Jacques, Matthew & David Jackson, Mary Mollida, Erin, Courtney, Adam, Carlee, Nathan, & Charles Miller; 35 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, including special nephews, Michael DeMetz and Buddy DeMetz. She graduated from Pass Christian High School in 1935 as Valedictorian of her class and having exceled in many sports. She graduated from Louisiana State University in 1939 in French, English, & Physical Eduacation. While at LSU she lived in the French House. Her first teaching job was in a one room school house in Saucier. In 1940 she met the love of her life, a young U.S. soldier from Ohio and Canada who was stationed at Keesler Field. They were married at St. Paul Catholic Church in Pass Christian on December 20, 1942. They instilled high values in their children, grandchildren and many others who felt their special influence. In 1965 Thelma was named "Mother of the Year" by the East Harrison County Lions Club. She was a volunteer at Keesler Hospital since 1965, teaching children who were in the hospital. Many of these children were terminally ill and far away from their families and she gave her time to hold them when they were very ill or dying. She was such a wonderful volunteer that the hospital created a special Civil Service position for her. In the 1970's, with encouragement from Pediatricians and Speech Pathologists at Keesler Medical Center, she studied the Montessorri Method of teaching and had a Montessorri School on Keesler Air Force Base. Many of the children enrolled were children of the medical staff at Keesler or referred by them. She reluctantly retired when she was in her 80's. Thelma was an avid skipperette and raced in the first Knost Regatta in 1937. She was a longtime and very active member of the Pass Christian Yacht Club and later the Biloxi Yacht Club. She instilled love of God, service to others and sailboat racing vividly in her family with many following in her footsteps. Amongst her many accomplishments: PTA President at her children's schools, Girl Scout Leader, Boy Scout volunteer, Red Cross Swimmng Instructor, active and longtime supporter of the Children's International Summer Village, Charter Member of the Biloxi Community Orchestra, a great fan LSU Football she rarely missed a televised game and of Biloxi High where she and her late husband attended all home football games until 2005, active member of Keesler Officer's Wives' Club, and long time member of the Biloxi Oak Park Garden Club where she was instrumental in building the neighborhood park. Thelma was a member of Our Lady of Fatima and received Last Rites from Father Paddy (Patrick Mockler) on Sunday with family in attendance. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Thelma's life at a Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church on Friday, May 27, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the start of the Mass. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetary. The family request donations in Thelma's name to the Children's International Summer Village and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. The family also especially thanks the loving staff at the Loyalton Assisted Living Center, Greenbriar Nursing Center, Beach Dental, Dr. Hogan, Memorial Hospital (especially Emergency Room and staff on 4C), Keesler Medical Center, Odyssey Hospice, Father Paddy and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.