Mae Miller Obituary

Mae Alice Coleman Miller, affectionately known by her friends and family as "Mac" and "MyMac," died on January 18, 2025. Born in Beech Island, SC on September 20, 1937, she was preceded in death by her parents, Clester Terrell Coleman, Sr. and Alice Broxton Coleman; husband, Cecil Leroyce Miller, MD; brother, Clester Terrell Coleman, Jr. (Buddy); and grandson, Coleman Terrell Miller. She is survived by four children: Cecil Terrell "Butch" Miller and wife, Teresa Carey Miller; Allison Miller Johnson and husband, Tally Johnson; Alicia Miller Erlich and husband, Mark Erlich; and Andrea Miller Farmer and husband, Mark Farmer. Also surviving their MyMac are six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Janie Mardis and Brian Marczak and their son, Pax; David Mardis and Sean Young; Carey and Jessica Young Miller and their children, Jack Coleman ("JC") and Julia Mae; Charles and Alyssa Lee Miller and their son, Theodore; Shelley Farmer; and Ali Farmer. Beloved extended family surviving Mac are her sister-in-law, Judith Courtney Coleman and nephew and nieces Christopher, Courtney, and Elaine; and brother-in-law David Stanley Miller and his wife Jennie, plus a host of Miller/Haymon nieces and nephews. After graduating from Aiken High School (Aiken, SC) in 1955, Mac completed training as a radiology technician and accepted a job at Aiken County Hospital. There she met Cecil, a young doctor who was serving his residency, and soon after, they were married and on their way to Buford, GA, where they would build a life together. In anticipation of the birth of their first child, she pivoted from her work as a radiology technician to work as a homemaker, creating a home to which her children would be eager to bring their friends, and in which her children's friends would feel safe and welcomed. The next twenty-five years would be devoted to facilitating the growth and development of her children, which meant thousands of miles on the road, ferrying them to lessons, practices, recitals, and such. She could always be found among the fans in the stands or in audiences at her children's endeavors, a practice that continued into the lives of her grandchildren, as well. Mac was an avid reader and enthusiastic gardener, and aside from time with friends and family, her happiest moments were spent absorbed in a book or digging in the dirt. She was proud to have been a founding member and the first president of the Stonehedge Garden Club, and relished her engagement in community and civic affairs. She also treasured time spent with Dr. Kendrick Lewis, her companion in her later years, and she cherished her relationships with his children and their spouses: Kathy and Steve Beard, Cindy and Bill McDougald, Ken and Angelyn Lewis, and Jenny and Jeffrey Beall. Those who knew and loved her will remember her indomitable spirit and what seemed an inextinguishable life force. She was an example of the power of the human spirit. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 8 at the University Yacht Club (6700 Yacht Club Rd, Flowery Branch, GA 30542). The family will begin receiving friends at 10:00 AM, with a program of remembrance beginning at 11:00 AM. The gathering will be casual and relaxed, so come as you are. To help honor a life well-lived, the family hopes you will share your memories of Mac. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Stonehedge Garden Club (? Mary Hinshaw, 4492 Travis Drive, Oakwood, GA 30566) or SISU Integrated Early Learning (2360 Murphy Boulevard, Gainesville, GA 30504).