Community members gather to celebrate the life and legacy of Elonzia Mae Miller.
The Savannah community gathered to celebrate the life of Elonzia Mae Miller, a dedicated educator and matriarch, who recently passed away just shy of her 99th birthday. Known for her significant contributions to education and gardening, Elonzia’s legacy is cherished by her large family and the community she served. A heartfelt Celebration of Life Services took place at Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church, honoring her lifelong commitment to family and community service.
Savannah, Georgia – The community came together in remembrance and celebration of the life of Elonzia Mae Miller, a beloved former educator and matriarch, who passed away on July 9, 2025, at 5:06 AM at Candler Hospital. She was just two days short of her 99th birthday.
Elonzia Mae Miller was born on July 11, 1926, in Mitchell County, Camilla, Georgia. She was the daughter of Alonzo Hightower and Mittie C. Maples and was raised in a loving Christian household by her grandparents, Oscar and Eliza Maples. As the second oldest of seven siblings, she was endearingly referred to as ‘Sut’, ‘Lonza Mae’, ‘Mother’, and ‘Grandma Mae’.
Her early education took place in public schools in Mitchell County before she made the significant move to Savannah, Georgia. Upon settling in the area, she became a member of Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church, where she actively participated in various church activities including Sunday School, the Orchettes, and multiple anniversary committees. Her contributions extended to being one of the first members of the church’s Transportation Ministry.
In her personal life, Elonzia blended her passion for education with a commitment to her community. She attended Madame Cargo Beauty School to become a cosmetologist and later achieved academic goals in Community Development and Communications at Savannah State College in 1969. Throughout her life, she instilled the importance of financial literacy in her children, guiding them towards making sound financial choices.
Elonzia Miller’s career included significant roles at Charles Moultrie Memorial Preschool, Senior Citizens, Inc., the City of Savannah Summer Programs, and the Savannah Chatham County Public School System, from which she retired on April 30, 1998. Her dedication to education and support for both youth and seniors left an indelible mark on her community.
In addition to her professional achievements, Elonzia was known for her love of gardening, taking immense pride in cultivating plants, flowers, and vegetables. Her family was at the heart of her existence; she was blessed with seven children, 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. The legacy of her love and care will continue through them.
Elonzia was preceded in death by her father, Alonzo Hightower; her mother and step-father, Mittie C. and Q. T. McKinney; along with several siblings and offspring. Despite her passing, her remarkable memory will remain alive among her children, their spouses, siblings, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives.
The community gathered to honor her legacy during the Celebration of Life Services, which took place on Thursday, July 17th, at 11:00 AM at Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Quentin J. Morris, Sr. served as the Eulogist during these heartfelt ceremonies dedicated to celebrating her life.
Elonzia Mae Miller’s legacy stands as a testament to her impact on her community and family. Her life’s work in education and dedicated service to her church and the people around her will not be forgotten as friends and family continue to celebrate her extraordinary contributions to the community.
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