Marjorie Soar Miller

Marjorie Soar Miller passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020.  Marjorie was born on October 12, 1924 in Miami, Florida to Arthur David and Leila Matthews Soar. After attending St. Mary’s school and junior college and graduating from Duke University, where she was an enthusiastic member and officer of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, Marjorie worked four years for Fulton County’s Child Welfare Department in an impoverished area in Atlanta. When she talked about her experiences there, both her words and her expression spoke of her deep concern and sympathy for those entrusted to her care.

Marjorie married James D. Miller, Jr. after a fortuitous blind date arranged by friends at Georgia Tech.  Once married, Marjorie moved with Jimmy back to Dalton and started a family, living in their home next door to her in-laws on Miller Street (which was named for the family). They remained happily married for fifty-eight years until Jimmy’s death in 2007.  Through those years she made her home a touchstone in the neighborhood and her life one of service in the community. Across her life she strove to fulfill her deep sense of community responsibility, by participating in numerous church and civic activities. She was a Gray Lady (Red Cross Volunteer) for over 40 years, and served as a volunteer and on the boards of numerous other service organizations such as The Dalton Women’s Club, Cheerhaven school, Doc-Up, the American Cancer Society, the Whitfield Mental Health Association, the Dalton Regional Library, and an adult literacy program. She was a pillar at First Presbyterian Church of Dalton, Georgia, where she taught Sunday School, was active in Circle, and volunteered in the church office among other things.

She is survived by her two children, James D. Miller, III (Kaye) and Margaret M. Torrey (David), three grand-children, Leila E. Burch (Thomas), Lindsay M. Socha (John), and James D. Miller, IV, and a great-grandson, Ames Miller Burch.

According to family friend, Rev. Walter Jones, “She used her telephone as few before or since to circulate the news and the needs of the community, checking on those shut in or grieving. When Marjorie was honored with the naming of the Miller Classroom at First Presbyterian Church, there was warm recognition when someone observed that, before there was Facebook or texting, there was Marjorie to keep us connected. She was a major player in our small town. When you reflect on her memory, you will not only honor the mother of Jim and Peg but one who mothered several generations here and made her imprint for good.  . . .  Finally, and for some time, we know she has been ready, and for her we claim the promises of God. Her reward is certain, her reunion with Jimmy celebratory, her legacy secure in her children and theirs. In the end, that’s the life for which we all pray. And now from her new vantage, she will pray us all home, too.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Dalton (PO Box 489, Dalton, GA 30722).  A small graveside service is planned for Thursday, December 31 ^st .  If you are interested in attending, please email Jim Miller at [email protected] for details.