Mitzi Ann Miller

1930-2016

Mitzi Ann Miller, 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Pensacola, FL on Thursday, June 23, 2016. Mitzi was born December 6, 1930, in Louisville, MS where she attended elementary and high school. She received a B.S. degree from

Mississippi State College for Women in 1952. She began teaching physical education in Greenville, MS and later moved to Pensacola to continue her career until retiring in 1989. She served the students at E. J. Wilson Elementary, N.B. Cook Elementary and O.J. Semmes Elementary.

Miss Miller was a strong advocate for physical education and was affectionally known as the "yard teacher". Her devotion was evidenced by works such as a man¬made (Mitzi-made) obstacle course, leadership in district-wide rhythm festivals, county track meets and organizing a safety patrol. Mitzi encouraged her students to be involved in school and community sports and other activities. She supported her students by attending their ball games, sporting events and dance recitals.

Mitzi was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Pensacola and participated in many areas of the church. Some of her church activities include the United Methodist Women, Suit Yourself, Sunday School Committee, Wednesday Night Suppers and Kitchen Volunteer. She attended many youth and children's activities, always being a part of setting up games for Halloween and Fall Carnival.

Mitzi never met a stranger. Once you met Mitzi, she was your friend. She touched the lives of many by showing a zest for life and a love for people, especially her students, family and church members. She was also a true Mississippi State bulldog (DAWG) fan. She cheered and rang her cowbell often. When you met Mitzi, you soon learned about her passion for the maroon and white. Mitzi was often seen driving her 1995 white Villager van lavishly decorated with Mississippi State "DAWG" stickers.

Mitzi is preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Everette Miller (Mr. Boss) and Maude Welsh Miller as well as her siblings, Sybil Virginia Miller McCully, Martha Jane Miller Griffin and brother Jack Welsh Miller.

She is survived by five nieces, three nephews, six great nieces, nine great nephews, many great great nieces and nephews and one great great great niece.

Visitation will be held 12:00 noon Monday, June 27, 2016 with Funeral Services and Celebration of Mitzi's life beginning at 1:00p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St., Pensacola, FL. Dr. Wesley Wachob will officiate. Following the service, a reception will be held in the Wright Place. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Louisville, MS on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Ministry through The Living Trust at First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St., Pensacola, FL 32501.

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Published by the Pensacola News Journal on Jun. 26, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Mitzi Miller

Sponsored by Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.

12 Entries

Jeff Cain

June 17, 2020

Cant believe she has been gone 4 years she shaped my life Athletically and Morally I m Proud to be and will Always be one of her KNOT HEADS

Cindy Barrineau

July 3, 2016

I went to OJ Semmes in the 60's also. Miss Miller was one of the sweetest teachers I had. P.E. Was always my favorite time at school. I remember the fun we had playing dodge ball, kickball and the tinikling sticks. As an adult I enjoyed worshiping with her at First United Methodist Church, and seeing her beautiful smile. She was always happy and encouraging. After a few years, we moved away but then returned. I was blessed to spend time with her the last year and a half. I enjoyed the time with her at her 85th birthday party and spent time with her weekly going to buy tomatoes at the farmers market and eating out occasionally. I love and will miss you lots Miss Miller.

James Barrineau

July 2, 2016

Miss Miller was my PE teacher at OJ Semmes in the early 60's. Nearly all my memories from that time are of being outside in her class. She organized a track meet with a neighboring school where I high jumped for the first time. I went on to make the 1976 Olympic Team thanks to Miss Miller getting me started. I had a chance to see her a few years ago to thank her and finally give her an Olympic pin. We both cried. You are dearly missed Miss Miller.

Julie Ward

June 30, 2016

I remember this sweet lady well. She always smelled like Coppertone. Dressed in white from head to toe, whistle around her neck. When it rained, we would have PT indoors and exercise to "Go You Chicken Fat, Go!" Heaven has truely gained an angel.

Keith Traxler

June 28, 2016

"Miss Miller" was my PE teacher at OJ Semmes in the early 60's and I, like most, grew to love her. I was fortunate that she and my mother became close friends when my mother also taught at Semmes so we remained close over the last 54 years. I stopped by for a visit with her several years ago and we had the best time reminiscing about all of the fun years at Semmes, the Tinikling (who had ever heard of it before MM taught us how to do it), even taking us on an "exhibition" at the Garden Center. I can still hear the bamboo poles clicking together as I type this. Mitzi Miller will always be the fun teacher in white shorts, white cotton blouse, white tennis shoes and white socks, the lady who I admired since I first met her at 6 years old. I was in Pensacola last week and on my way down Summitt Blvd. I thought of stopping to see her but it was late. Now I wish I had. Rest in Peace Mitzi. You brought such joy to so many people.

Jeff Lewis

June 27, 2016

I know I speak for many of my classmates in saying that Miss Miller was a wonderful P E teacher at O J Semmes in the early 60s. She shared her enthusiasm for physical fitness with her students in a way that is still memorable after these many years. Blessings to her family.

Frances Scott Coe

June 26, 2016

Miss Miller was the BEST P.E. teacher ever! I was lucky enough to have her throughout elementary school at O. J. Semmes (late 1950s, early '60s. Her dedication to children & physical fitness were amazing. This was the era of John F. Kennedy's emphasis on fitness. I remember Miss Miller telling us about that frequently. She went beyond the call of duty, taking students to many competitive events. Teaching us how to set high goals, she was an icon of leadership. Miss Miller touched the lives of many children! God bless you, Miss Miller, for your love, patience, & outstanding teaching ability. Love you, Miss Miller!!

Charlotte Coker

June 26, 2016

We only visited with Mitzi twice but she made us feel so welcome that we felt we had known her for years. We shared a great love for the MSU Dawgs as she was a super fan. I'm sure she is ringing her cowbell in heaven.

Jeff Cain

June 26, 2016

I love Ms Miller's she was a great influence on my life was proud to be one of her knot heads heaven is a better place with her there

Dan & Lisa Howell

June 26, 2016

Words cannot express our sorrow.

Stella Hindman

June 26, 2016

Mitzi: sweet, kind, thoughtful, funny and loved by many. You were one of a kind and will be forever missed. I know Jane was jumping with joy when you walked through Heavens gate. I will always remember the good times we had together. Rest in peace my friend.

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