Beverly Miller

Late Sunday evening, Lagniappe lost not only a homeowner but a dear friend. Beverly Miller, friend of Earl Cox, suffered a stroke on Sunday night and died shortly after she arrived at the hospital. She was Earl’s closest friend, and he is of course, devastated. I have wanted to begin blogging about our homeowners so that you have a better sense of the people Lagniappe is serving. Unfortunately, it has taken death to make me realize how important it is that we communicate with others about the people we are serving. Death always seems to remind us of our mantra “people over projects.” Suddenly the home becomes nothing in comparison to the homeowner, Beverly Miller—the woman created in God’s image. I only met Beverly a few times, but as I have spoken with others who knew her well I gathered much about her personality and character. I do not know where Beverly was from, or really what her life before Bay St. Louis looked like. She was apparently a gifted dance teacher for years, with pupils still seeking out her expertise for their own children. Beverly loved antiques and enjoyed shopping at yard sales. However, the most important thing I know about Beverly is that she would give away everything she owned if she could. So often teams would return to Lagniappe bearing gifts Beverly had given them—old pieces of antique jewelry, pottery, sheets, etc. Beverly loved to give. As a native of Mississippi, Beverly fit beautifully into Southern hospitality. The moment you walked in her door she was offering you a drink, making sure you were comfortable, and making sure you did not need a snack before you left. Beverly cared deeply for her friend Earl, and Earl cared about her just as deeply. The home, built for the two of them, has been overwhelming to Earl since she passed. Therefore, please keep Earl Cox in your prayers for this is and will be a difficult period in the weeks to come. Beverly Miller is a woman who will be greatly missed by not only her friends and her family but by Lagniappe Church.