Elmira Miller Curry
In a letter addressed with love to Elmira Miller Curry on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, God asked Elmira if she was ready to see Jesus face-to face and to become an angel in heaven. She looked homeward, saw the loved ones who were beckoning her, surveyed the earthly landscape one more time and reflected on her travails, triumphs, and the many lessons she had imparted. She smiled at God, and said, "I've always entrusted my life and family to you. Have your own way." God decided God needed another angel. Thus, ended the earthly journey that began over 94 years ago.
On January 24, 1925, a baby girl was born to Clinton Miller and Lizzie Harper Miller. This baby girl, whom they named Elmira, was the second of three daughters and the fourth of six children. She grew up on a farm in Waterford, MS. Early in life, Elmira joined and became an active member in New Hope M.B. Church where she participated in many activities that helped to shape her character. For example, she attended Sunday school and represented the Sunday school youths at church conventions. Along with the love, guidance and support of her family, the church community instilled a spirit of servanthood and a desire to follow Christ, traits that were ever present in her life, whether in school, raising her family, serving in the church and community, or working at various jobs, some menial.
Elmira had a thirst for knowledge and pursuing education was a lifelong journey. She received her early education in the Marshall and Lafayette counties segregated school systems. Before she completed high school, she was recruited to fill a teaching position at Free Spring School in Lafayette County. It was customary at that time to recruit high performing high school students to teach lower grade students.
Elmira met, fell in love with and married Elcue Nathaniel Curry in 1947. They had 10 children. Their overriding goal was that all 10 children would attend college, a goal that was realized. Elmira laid a firm foundation: she taught all of her children to read and do simple math before they enrolled in school. When the children were doing chores, they had to recite poems, Bible verses, or multiplication tables.
Elmira was a member of Greenfield Presbyterian Church where she was a Sunday School teacher, moderator of Presbyterian Women, director of Vacation Bible School, organizer of all fund-raisers at Greenfield, a member of Heroines of Jericho and Order of Eastern Star. She received an Associate Degree from Rust College. She was a retired teacher from ICS Headstart.
Visitation will be held from 12-4 p.m. on May 21 at J.F. Brittenum and Son Funeral Home and 5-7 p.m. at Greenfield Presbyterian Church; and on May 22 from 10 a.m.-10:55 a.m. at New Dimension Salt and Light Ministries Church with services following at 11 a.m. Rev. W. James Lyons will officiate. Burial will be in Cottrell Memorial Garden.
She leaves to cherish her life nine children: Lavora Blake, Devarieste Curry, Evelyn Elliott, Robert Curry, Loretta Curry, Alvin Curry, Regina Curry, E. Nathaniel Curry, and Terrlyn Lisa Curry Avery; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; one daughter-in-law, Carliss Curry; two sons-in-law, Dion Avery and Dewitt Elliott; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and Heroines sister Callie Lay, who lovingly cared for Elmira when she traveled to Heroines meetings without family members. Her greatgranddaughter, Alexandria Blake played a major role in her care at home, and when she was able to travel, she traveled with her.
Elmira was preceded in death by her husband and her daughter,Vanessa; siblings, Harry Miller, Kelly Miller Sr., L.Q. Miller, Nathan Cook, Troy Miller-Miller, Remolia Miller Warren, Reola Cook, Ozella Moore and Rosie Jones.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Greenfield Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 549, Holly Springs, MS 38635.
paid obituary