Lessie Pless Miller Brewer

Lessie Pless Miller Brewer entered the church triumphant on the early morning of Dec. 31, 2012, at the wonderful age of 97.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, at St. Paul United Methodist Church. The Rev. Paul Evans and the Rev. Calvin Haney will officiate. Interment will follow in Alta Vista Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Jan. 2, from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m.

Lessie loved to sing, and she and her siblings sang regularly at the church where her father preached. She was widowed suddenly when her children ranged in age from 5 to 11. She served beautifully as both mother and father to her four children. She sang in her church choirs, and served as a Sunday school teacher; president of the PTA, and the director of J.O.Y. Center. She loved to cook for her family and friends. She was an exceptional and loving grandmother. She remarried in her mid-60s, and enjoyed traveling.

Lessie was the daughter of the Rev. S.A. (Alvin) and India Wright Pless. She was preceded in death by her husbands, the Rev. Andrew O. Miller, and the Rev. O. Marvin Brewer; her siblings, Beulah "Sister" Gilstrap, Eula Barrett, Flornelle Allen, Bronnez Purcell, Travis Pless and Talmadge Pless. She is survived by her sister, Doris Gagarin Varville, Springfield, Va. She is survived by her four children, Glenda Miller Pierce (Rueben), Gainesville; Wayne Miller (Jill), Talmo; Larry Miller, Oakwood; and Fletcher Miller (Gina), Gainesville; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; numerous friends; and "adopted" children and grandchildren; caregiver, Debra Johnson; and the caring staff at Morningside Assisted Living and Halcyon Hospice. Flowers are welcome or if preferred, make donations to St. Paul United Methodist Church, Building Fund or Nativity Fund.

Online condolences may be made at wardsfh.com. Ward's Funeral Home, 758 Main St., S.W., Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.