Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Miller

In Loving Memory Of; Mary Elizabeth Miller, 98, a longtime resident of Detroit, Michigan, entered into eternal rest at 2:47 am, Thursday, December 26, 2019, at her home. Born Mary Elizabeth Boswell on August 9, 1921, in South Bend, Indiana, to Garfield Matthews and Louetta Jane Marshall Boswell. Mary graduated from Central High School in June of 1939. She accepted Christ at an early and joined First A.M.E. Zion Church under Pastor Hezekiah White at the age of twelve. She was very active in church, serving as president of Christian Education (Youth Group), singing in the Junior Choir, and occasionally playing the piano for the choir. After graduating from high school, she worked as a secretary at Herring House Community Center (later known as the Urban League). She also volunteered to register voters for the Indiana state elections. In June of 1939, Mary was elected to serve as a delegate for the Annual Conference held that year at Lomax A.M.E. Zion Church in Detroit, where she met her future husband, Lester Crawford. The couple was joined in holy matrimony on March 27, 1941, settling in Hamtramck, MI, where they raised three children. They remained married until Lester's untimely death in 1950. Mary managed their duplex property and worked part-time at Royster Moving and Storage Company as a secretary after the death of her first husband. It was at St. Peters A. M. E. Zion Church that Mary met her future husband, Kenneth Miller, whom she wed in 1952, settling in Detroit. In addition to Mary's three children and Kenneth's daughter from his first marriage, their union was blessed with twins born in 1959. The couple joined John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church in 1953. She was a faithful member of the Nurses Guild, Overseas Missionary Department, and years later served on the Deaconess Board. A homemaker for most of her married life, in 1970, Mary went to work for Winkleman's in Highland Park, where she remained for 15 years, working first in general sales and later in the millinery department selling wigs and hats. A huge advocate for the City of Detroit, Mary wrote letters and made phone calls to officials when she felt there was an injustice. Her gifts were welcoming and encouraging others, and when her voice became weak due to dysphonia, she sent cards and letters to family, friends and church members. Mary Elizabeth Boswell Bowen Crawford Miller (as she delighted in calling herself) was the matriarch of the family like her mother. She was a prayer warrior and enjoyed dancing in praise for the Lord. Her family meant the world to her, and she loved them deeply, always ready to share the good news about her children and grandchildren. Mary's gift of support touched so many people as she encouraged them to put God first in whatever they undertook.

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Miller

August 9, 1921 - December 26, 2019