Mrs. Mitzi Ann Miller, 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Pensacola, FL on Thursday, June 23, 2016. Visitation will be held 12:00 noon Monday, June 27, 2016 with Funeral Services and Celebration of Mitzi's life beginning at 1:00 p.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 11:00 A.M.
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 manmade (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.
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.