Mrs. Willie Mae Smith Miller, 86, departed this life on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Atrium Health in Charlotte, NC, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on December 5, 1938, in Cleveland County, NC, Willie Mae was the cherished daughter of the late Levi E. Smith and Fleeta Camp Smith. She was a woman of deep faith, joining Shoal Creek Baptist Church at an early age, where she remained active until she met the love of her life, the late Rev. Eula Miller Jr. The two were united in marriage for 60 beautiful years, and together, they served faithfully in ministry.
Willie Mae became the beloved First Lady of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she supported and uplifted the congregation for 31 years. During her time there, she spread her love of Jesus Christ through her leadership in the Senior Missionaries, playing the organ, and spearheading the Summer Youth Camp ministry, Sunday school, choir, and various other church committees.
After leaving Ebenezer, Willie Mae became a devoted member of Ellis Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Ray Lockhart. There, she continued to serve the Lord with joy, playing the piano for numerous choirs, singing in the Senior Hymn Choir, and actively attending Bible study and Sunday school.
Willie Mae was a proud graduate of Camp High School and went on to further her education at Cleveland County Technical College, where she earned her nursing degree. With a compassionate heart and a dedicated spirit, she pursued a lifelong career in nursing, touching countless lives with her kindness, care, and unwavering commitment to serving others. She began her career working at J.C. Penney before breaking barriers as one of the first African American ER nurses. She later worked for Cleveland Home Health, dedicating herself to providing compassionate care to those in need. Eventually, she and her husband became co-owners of Genesis Gospel Music and Christian Sales in Shelby, a business they faithfully operated for over 20 years, spreading the message of faith through music and literature.
Beyond her career and ministry, Willie Mae had many passions. She found joy in singing, playing the piano, gardening, tending to her beautiful flowers, and baking. She was well known for her famous five-flavored pound cake and honey bun cake, which brought joy to family, friends, and her church community.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, she was preceded in death by her children, daughter, Wyshena Miller Hurt and son, Maurice A. Miller; four sisters, Ruby Moses, Elizabeth Willis, Frances Seary, and Alberta Short; and two brothers, William "Ed" Smith and Joseph Smith.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory and uphold her legacy, her three beloved granddaughters, Maya A. Miller, Ericka L. Hurt, and Kayla M. Hurt; her son-in-law, Richard Hurt; daughter-in-law, Oveda C. Miller; her siblings, Versia Gilmore, Levi B. Smith, John Smith (Merlene), Waymon "Gene" Smith, and Gwen Campbell (Marsh); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
May her memory be a blessing, and may her legacy of faith, love, and service continue to inspire all who knew her. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Ellis Chapel Baptist Church.