February 8, 2021
Mrs. Mary Wilson Miller Burkett was born June 1, 1921 in Nashville, Tennessee, to George Grover Wilson and Martha Turner Wilson. She passed away at the age of 99 on February 6, 2021, surrounded by her children at her daughter’s home in Lookout Mountain, GA.
After spending her youth on her family farm in McMinnville, TN, Mrs. Miller-Burkett ultimately settled in Pascagoula, MS where she lived for over 60 years. She leaves gifts of a tremendous legacy and many fond memories which will forever be cherished. She was a homemaker throughout her life, as her family and faith were always her highest priorities. Family and friends, alike, describe her as strong, loving, uncomplaining, and an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She enjoyed quilting, baking her famous pies, and attending events for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. While she never learned to drive, she was always ready to travel anywhere at a moment’s notice. She was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church in Pascagoula, which later became Arlington Baptist Church and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Preceding her in death was her beloved husband of 60 years, Maurice William Miller of Ooltewah, TN; J.D. Burkett, a lifelong friend whom she married in her later years; brothers, John and Minos Wilson; sisters Evelyn Hamblen and Peggy Love; and daughter-in-law Betty Miller.
Left to cherish her memory are her two children, Lyndia (Richard) Crotteau of Lookout Mountain, GA, and Billy Miller of Pascagoula, MS; step-children, Diane Johnson of Vienna, VA and Ronnie Burkett of Charleston, SC; grandchildren, Richard Crotteau, Jr., Mary Lyn Huffman (Mark), Michael Miller (Lori), Michelle Miller Smith (Dan), Melissa Miller Pennington (Todd); great-grandchildren, Eliza, Gracie, and Miller Huffman; Mary Michael Miller, Sadie and Sophie Smith; and Thomas and Miller Pennington. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
Mary Miller Burkett left quite the impression on all who knew her. She lived a full life, of nearly100 years, and will be dearly missed.
Visitation with the family will be on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, starting at 10:00am at Love Cantrell Funeral Home in Smithville, TN. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am in the Love-Cantrell Funeral Home Chapel with Richard Crotteau, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at DeKalb Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Arlington Baptist Church in memory of Mrs. Mary Miller Burkett. The church address is 2101 Market St., Pascagoula, MS 39567; (228) 769-2789.