Nelda Lou Pilgreen

Nelda Lou Pilgreen was born on April 24, 1935, to Dr. Andrew Thomas Pilgreen and Lula Corrine Walpole Pilgreen in an ambulance, on the way to the hospital in Carrollton, Texas. Her family later moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, where her father served as pastor of Parkview Baptist Church. Nelda spent much of her childhood there, surrounded by church life, which she dearly loved.

Nelda attended Byrd High School in Shreveport, where she excelled both academically and socially. She was active in ROTC, earned numerous awards, and graduated as Salutatorian of the Class of 1953. At the age of 14, Nelda experienced a deep loss when her only brother, James “Truett” Pilgreen, a Navy pilot in WWII, tragically died in a plane crash in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains during inclement weather.

A gifted musician all her life, Nelda was proficient in piano and the pipe organ. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956 from Louisiana College in Pineville, LA, and went on to complete her Master of Church Music in 1961 at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. While in seminary, she taught piano and began what would become her lifelong calling—sharing her love of music through teaching and performance.

Throughout her life, Nelda worked alongside her former husband, Wayne Miley, serving as his accompanist and constant support as they led music at Baptist churches across Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and music.

Nelda was the proud mother of four children: Truett Wayne Miley (Courtney), Steven Price Miley, Alan Math Miley, and Lara Kristen Miley (Laurie). She was also blessed with three grandchildren, two of whom studied piano under her guidance and carried forward her musical legacy.

Her extraordinary musicianship touched countless lives. Nelda was known as a perfectionist at the piano and organ, with an unmatched ability to sight-read, a deep love of music theory, and the rare gift of perfect pitch. She frequently served as accompanist for Handel’s Messiah at Christmas and was widely respected for her artistry. Beyond public performance, she devoted herself to teaching piano to both children and adults, influencing generations of students.

Nelda’s gifts extended far beyond music. She was exceptionally intelligent, quick-witted, and creative. Her resourcefulness often saved the day when her children needed a last-minute project completed. She was a wonderful cook, transforming healthy meals into dishes her family loved, and an accomplished cake decorator whose creations looked like works of art. Nelda was skilled in needlepoint and could even sew her daughter a new outfit overnight as a surprise.

In the late 1990s, Nelda moved to Houston, where she faced and overcame breast cancer with courage. She enjoyed snow skiing with her family—though she often preferred to prepare elaborate dinners after a day on the slopes. Nelda also loved to travel, cherishing her visits to England and Scotland, where she brought home beautiful antiques.

She was an active member of the Louisiana Music Teachers Association, the Baton Rouge Music Club, and served on the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra’s Board.

Nelda was preceded in death by her parents, her brother James Truett Pilgreen, her sisters Ruth Madeleine Pilgreen Treadgold and Mary Florence Pilgreen Wilson, and her grandchild Adam Wayne Miley. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who brought her great joy and made her feel deeply loved.

Throughout her life, Nelda faced challenges with resilience and grace. She often reminded her children, “I’m doing the best I can!”—and indeed, she did. Her family will forever miss her love, strength, humor, and music.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers, Paula and Linda, who cared for her with the devotion of daughters.