Mrs. Emma Bailey Miller, daughter of Henry and Carolyn [Caroline] Browning Bailey was born near Fillmore, Ind., Nov. 18th, 1860. Entered into rest June 1st, 1934, aged 73 yrs., 6 months and 13 days.
She was married to Joseph [Joel] Miller Oct. 30, 1887. To this union was born one daughter, Carrie. She came to the vicinity of Stilesville 47 years ago as a bride and her entire married life was spent in or near Stilesville. She was a woman of lofty ideals, ever spurring herself and her family to attain these ideals. She was industrious, honest and liberal in her views. There was no service so menial but that she was ready to serve, so long as it was honest and upright and of benefit to her family and friends. Therefore we can truthfully say: Hers has been a life of service.
During a revival service conducted by the late Rev. J. E. Sherrill at Stilesville, she and her husband united with the Baptist Church in Dec. 1893, and as long as she lived in Stilesville was closely affiliated with the church and its' activities. After the death of her husband in Nov. 1925, and her removal to the present home, ill health and the cares of this home kept her from attending services. But her kindly thoughts and acts kept her in close touch with the church and her friends. She made this home and reared seven grandchildren namely; Allen Starr [Emory, “Bud”], Mrs. Clara Starr Costin, Avis Starr, Dorothy Starr, Charles Starr and James and Morris Starr.
These children whom she so faithfully served, will live to call her name "blessed", and to realize that she did what she could. There are two great grandchildren, Jack Edwin and Myron Kendall Costin on whom she lavished a vast amount of love and devotion. We are sharply reminded by what has transpired that the world is filled with heartaches and tragedies and the profoundest among us can see but little way into the future. And it is very important that while we are here to do our duty to God who created us and gave us live and opportunities. This good woman has suffered much and has fulfilled many opportunities for good among us, "And we know that is this earthly tabernacle be dissolved we have a building from God; a house made not by hands, eternal in the Heavens." She leaves a daughter, Carrie, these grandchildren, the two great grandchildren, a grandson-in-law, one brother, Claude Bailey, near Greencastle, two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Coffman, of Greencastle, and Mrs. Bertha Coffman of Indianapolis; several nieces and nephews and other relatives, and a host of friends who are grieved at her going.
We may not know why Death should come
To take our dear ones from our home;
But tho' our eyes with tears be dim,
The Lord knows why, we'll trust in Him.
O yes, He knows; the Lord knows why
These things are ordered from on high;
And tho' dark clouds may hide the sun,
The Lord knows why; His will be done.
Card of Thanks
The daughter and these grandchildren desire to express their appreciation and thanks to all for kindnesses shown them during the sickness and death of the mother and grandmother.
This memorial was published in the Coatesville Advertiser in 1944:
IN MEMORY of my grandmother, Emma Miller, who passed away 21 years ago June 1, 1934.
Each day in my life
In some loving way
I think of her and they I pray,
"Dear Lord, kind Lord, help me today
To be more like her along life's way."
A helping hand she gave to all;
Her toiling ended, she answered His call.
Dear to my heart she'll always be,
A wonderful Grandmother she was to me.
Sadly missed by granddaughter, Mrs. Lowell [Avis] Barrow.