LANCASTER, SC ~ Mrs. Mary Emma Barrett Miller, age 86 of Lancaster, SC, departed this earth for her Heavenly home on December 5th, 2025.  She was a dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She had a personal relationship with Jesus and lived her life in obedience to Him, beginning each day by reading her Bible and spending time in prayer.

She was born on September 22, 1939, to the late Ernest W. Barrett and Vera Couch Barrett. She is survived by one brother, Robert Barrett, and one sister, Jean Barrett Bair, and was preceded in death by her brother Wayne Barrett and sisters Dorothy Barrett Cox and Louise Barrett.

Mrs. Miller was married to James Dalton Miller just shy of 67 years. They raised three children: Joel Martin Miller (Donna), Lori Miller Johnson (Rex), and James Albert Miller (Patty).

She fulfilled her roles as a wife and mother well. When the children were growing up, she gathered the family around the table each weekday morning for a full breakfast, including homemade biscuits, and a time of prayer before they started their day. In the evenings, they gathered once again for a home-cooked meal

Through the years, she supported her husband's softball playing and enjoyed playing the sport herself with the Sherwood Baptist Church Ladies team. They also enjoyed hosting pigeon shows at their home. One of her favorite family activities was visiting Springmaid Beach in the summer; you could find her sitting under the pier the week after the Fourth of July each year. When her children married, she warmly welcomed her daughters-in-law and son-in-law into the family, always treating them as her own children. In her retirement years, she and her husband enjoyed camping together with family members, and their friends, Bill and Judy Mackey and Fuzzy and the late Elaine Whitaker.

She was the grandmother of Crystal Miller Robinett (Jordan), Jeremy Scott Johnson (Ashley), Seth Martin Miller (Jessica), Jaime-Leigh Johnson Bailey (Jerel), and Marisa Miller Huneycutt (Cody). They are extremely proud to be her grandchildren. As they were growing up, she supported their dance recitals, soccer matches, baseball games, cheerleading and everything they were involved in. The things they cherish most are the quiet strength, timely advice, and unending prayers lifted on their behalf, proven by her journals which she kept for over 40 years. Each grandchild will tell you they were her "favorite," because of the individualized love she gave to every one of them. Her great niece, Amanda Cox Ilisco, also held a special place in her heart.

Mrs. Miller had 11 great-grandchildren: Landon Martin Miller, Hayden Charles Webb, Hallie Marie Webb, Holton James Webb, Josiah Reid Johnson, Jackson Munroe Huneycutt, Blaine Jerel Bailey, Lilly Miller Johnson, Stella Brielle Bailey, Emma Louise Huneycutt, Olivia Anne Huneycutt, and two step-grandchildren, Natalie Deal Robinett, Nathan Parker Robinett.  Grandma's soft words, warm hugs, and calming presence are memories they will hold dear.

She lived a life caring for others. She was employed by Williams Drug Center, where she greeted each customer with smiles, friendship and service for over 35 years. She was well known as the "chicken-salad sandwich" lady. Alongside her best friend Mary Brown Sistare, she cared for children in the nursery at Sherwood Baptist Church for decades, instilling in them a love for Jesus. She also served as a volunteer at Springs Memorial Hospital for 15 years. As a devoted family member, her love and care reached her extended family as well. She enjoyed attending family reunions and staying connected with everyone.

Mrs. Miller had a love for crocheting intricate designs for others. She also enjoyed making homemade ice cream for her family and socializing on her porch, where everyone who visited was treated as family.

The Celebration of Life Service for Mary Emma Barrett Miller will be at 11:00am Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 at Sherwood Baptist Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that donations be made to Sherwood Baptist Church or Sheltered of Lancaster. Also, the family wishes to share our gratitude to Agape Hospice for that compassionate care.