Peggy (Henson) Miller

Peggy Henson Miller passed from life to eternity on June 19, 2021.  Born August 13, 1932, Peggy was raised in a Christian home.  Her Mother taught Peggy and her four brothers Bible stories and regularly took them to church.  At age 12, Peggy accepted Christ as her Savior and began a journey that culminated in a lifetime of service to Him.   Her joy was sharing the good news of God’s love for all people.   

She chose to attend Ashbury College (Kentucky) as she began her service.  There she met Johnny Miller, a World War II veteran, who had committed his life to share the good news of God’s love to others.  They were married and Johnny worked to complete his master’s degree in music education. Peggy used her talent as a musician for God’s service. Upon Johnny’s graduation, they felt called to serve in missions and were appointed by World Gospel Missions to Southwest Indian School on the American Indian Field in Arizona.  Although their primary focus was teaching music, they also served in various positions - Johnny as high school principal and field director; Peggy taught arts and crafts, gave voice and piano lessons, and served as music department coordinator and dietician.  They also served as dorm parents, a role in which they found great joy. 

In 1965 they spent a year in Haiti, teaching at a Bible Seminary and helping with evangelistic efforts.  In 1968 they returned to the Southwest Indian School to continue their work.  In 1975 they were appointed WGM’s missionary representatives in the Southeast region of the US and began traveling across the region, speaking at churches, missionary conventions, and meetings.  Peggy developed a unique children’s ministry using ventriloquism and puppet skills to convey biblical truths to kids.  They retired from mission work in 1991 and returned to Peggy’s southern roots in Alabama.  Johnny passed away in 2004 but Peggy continued her ministry locally serving in various churches through music, choir, children’s work, Bible School, and other programs.   

As she grew older, Peggy became frail and moved to Washington County Nursing Home in Chatom, AL.  The move to a new home did not extinguish her commitment to serve God and fulfill His purpose for her life.  She was a light of hope and peace for those who knew her.    She shared music, laughter, and an example of peace as she resided at Washington County Nursing Home.   The last few years found Peggy unable to be as active, but she never lost her smile, joy, love for people, and peace in life through Jesus.  

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, John H. Miller; parents Dan Jelks and Frances Estelle Henson; brothers Dan Henson, Jr., and Frank Henson.  Peggy is survived by brothers Kenneth Henson and Billy Henson along with numerous nieces and nephews and their spouses, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Her family expresses gratitude for the loving care given to Peggy through the years by doctors, nurses, aids, staff, and more at Washington County Nursing Home.  A special thank you to Dr. Donald and Chatom Primary Care for their dedication and caring for Peggy through the years. 

A celebration of Peggy’s life was held on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Washington Baptist Church, Hawthorn, AL.  Final life celebration was entrusted to St. Stephens Funeral Home.  Thank you for the love and care you gave to Peggy in your care for her and our families at her passing. 

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