Edith May Pelkofer Miller of Memphis passed away on December 28, 2019 at the age of 98. She was born on
June 9, 1921 in Milwaukee Wisconsin to Arthur and Catherine Pelkofer. At 13 she joined the church choir and
sang in choirs in every church they belonged to until the past few years, about 70 years total. She sang in a trio
during high school which won the state championship one year. After graduating from Bay View High School she
went to work at Louie Allis Company as a secretary where she met her future husband, Clyde Miller, who also
worked there.
Edith and Clyde were married in 1942 and they moved from Milwaukee to Sheboygan, WI, to Knoxville, TN, to
North Syracuse, NY, to Memphis during their 65 years of marriage. They had three children. Over the years she
took care of the family and her passion for singing. Each time they moved to a new city one of the first things
she would do was join the church choir. She had a beautiful voice and singing many solos, duets and trios
through the years. She was a member of Sweet Adeline's singing group in Memphis. She wrote several songs,
many poems and rhyming poems for the family on birthdays and holidays. In her eighties Edith's hearing began
to diminish and all music sounded off-key to her. She not only had to stop singing, but could not even enjoy
listening to music.
After her children were grown she worked for Key to the City, welcoming newcomers to Memphis, and as a
school secretary for 11 years. Edith was an excellent cook, and seamstress, making many clothes for herself
when younger. She enjoyed reading, square dancing and camping. She belonged to the Order of Eastern Star
since 1943 in Milwaukee, Sheboygan and North Syracuse, holding many offices in the organization. She was an
active member of Raleigh United Methodist Church.
Having moved around the country and leaving many friends, her correspondence increased. She also noticed
that senior citizens didn't smile very much so decided to put a couple of "laughs" in her letters. After a number
of affirmative remarks about them the idea of a newsletter was born. From 2006 through 2016 she wrote a
two-page monthly newsletter with articles and jokes to encourage others which had a mailing list of over 100
people. Edith was a very unique and wonderful lady and will be missed by all who knew her.
Edith was preceded by her husband, Clyde Miller, her sisters Margaret Pelkofer Krysiak and Ruth Pelkofer Lenz.
As matriarch of the family, she will forever be remembered by her children, Suzanne Miller Griffith Coleman
(Jack), Shirley Miller Lile (John), and Allen Miller (Linda); Grandchildren are Eric Griffith (Debra) of Omaha, NE,
Brian Griffith (Lea) of Trenton. TN, Kevin Miller, Mark Miller (Meredith) and Virginia Miller Rose of Little Rock, AR
and Tiffany Lyles (Jeffrey) of Tupelo, MS. Great-grandchildren are Erica Griffith, Jessica Campbell, Melanie
Griffith, David Griffith, James Griffith, Carter Miller, Collin Miller, Charlotte Miller, Adelyn Rose, Jeffrey Lyles, Jr.
and Riley Lyles. Great-great grandchildren are Zoe Walladsen, Evelyn Bradley and Nova Bradley.
Donations may be made to Mercy Ships, which was especially close to Edith's heart.