Answering the Phone

In rural southwestern Kentucky, down by the rivers and near between them, we have a saying, “When Jesus calls, we answer.”

Forty-four years ago, around this time, I was privileged to meet my future mother-in-law. Betty Miller. We had much in common. She liked me, and I liked her. We are both introverts and Virgos. We sit and listen and try and stay removed from the chaos. We are both conservative in our politics. And like my Momma, she loved her children, all assorted flavors of them and the various sundry of in-laws they brought forth and collected over the years.

Betty Jo Bailey Miller, 95, was born in Blountstown, Florida, to the late Wilson and Thelma Bailey and was the youngest of four siblings.

Married to the late Tommy Miller, they had five children: Thomas (Tim) Miller (Ginger), Kay Armstrong (Darryl), Keith Miller (Marion), Jane Pevarnik (John), and Cindy Eady (Fred).

She had seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She graduated from Florida State University with an AB in Business. R. A. Siegel Company employed her for 27 years. She has been a member of King Springs Baptist Church since 1972.

She regularly enjoyed water aerobics throughout her retirement years. She played several mean games of cards, Rummy Cube, and was a puzzler extraordinaire.

And Miss Betty was beloved by all who have been blessed to know her.

Jesus called his morning around 3:30 a.m. today, the day of his birth, to join him. She did.