Lyllah Beatrice Norton Miller

Lyllah Beatrice Norton Miller, 97, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2015 in Gulfport. She was born in Hattiesburg, MS to William Joseph Norton, Jr. and Helen Augusta Franke Norton. ""Bea,"" as she was known to many, was a long-time resident of Gulfport, MS. She graduated from Long Beach High School where she met her future love and husband, Curtis Miller. Bea worked and served 25 years with the Illinois Central Rail Road in various positions until her retirement. Upon her Rail Road Retirement she joined Curtis at the family owned business, Wayne Farm & Garden Supply (Wayne Feed Store), which was located on 25th Ave. in Gulfport. After many years of successful business, Curtis and Bea retired and subsequently sold the family owned business. Bea and Curtis enjoyed their retirement together traveling around the USA and tending to their home garden. Through many past years they worked together to raise vegetables, fruits, figs, pecans and other home grown items which they shared with family and those in need.
For many years while their children were in school, Bea served with the St. John School Mother's Club, Fall Festival activities and raising funds to support local community charities. She was a long-time member of the St. John Catholic Church Altar Society, the Harrison County Homemakers Club and supporter of St. Vincent DePaul Society. Bea was a life-long member of St. John Catholic Church in Gulfport.
Bea was preceded in death by her parents; spouse, Curtis Miller; siblings, Bill, Hugh, Frank and Howard Norton; sisters, Edith Richardson, Kathleen Norton, and Dorothy Ross; her daughter-in-law, Cathy Thornton Miller and son-in-law, Mackie Fayard.
Bea is survived by her son, Chief Warrant Officer Five/USA/Ret. William C. ""Bill"" Miller; daughter, Carolyn Miller Fayard; sister, Ruby Norton Morton; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
We would like to thank our mother's caregivers who stood by our mother for many years assisting us with her daily care. Their devotion and difficult work and compassion are so very much appreciated. Their service and assistance to our mother over the past 15+ years was excellent. We could not have accomplished this alone: Queen Patterson, Josephine Hagens and Mildred ""Mickey"" Douglas.
We would also like to express our gratitude and appreciation for the 4th and 5th floor Nursing and employee staff of Memorial Hospital. We extend this gratitude to Hospice Compassus for their care of our mother and to the clergy who made many visits to our mother.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions to St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. John Catholic Church, 2414 17th Street, Gulfport, MS, Feed My Sheep or the charity of your choice.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 24th at St. John Catholic Church, where friends may visit from 10 a.m. until the Mass. Burial will follow at Evergreen Gardens in Gulfport.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport, served the family and tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com