of Helena-West Helena, AR
December 3, 1920 - April 23, 2015
Katie Cracraft Miller, 94, passed away in Memphis, Tenn. on April 23, 2015.
She was born at home to George Knox Cracraft, Sr. and Jean Scott Cracraft on Dec. 3, 1920 on Readland Plantation near Lake Village, Ark. The family moved to Helena, Ark. when she was 4 years old.
Katie graduated from Helena High School and attended Monticello College in St. Louis, and the University of Mississippi where she was an active member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.
She returned to Helena during World War II and worked for the Helena Water Department. She married Thomas Glasner Miller, Sr. shortly after in1946, a marriage that lasted 39 years until his death in 1985.
Katie was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who doted on her family.
Always the life of the party, she loved to be surrounded by family and friends and never once met a stranger. She was a gracious hostess, fantastic storyteller, an excellent cook and a loyal friend who could always be counted upon.
As an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church for more than 80 years she followed in her mother's footsteps as a long-time board member of the Ophelia Polk-Moore Orphans Home. For decades she was a tireless volunteer for numerous other Helena civic organizations.
Katie is survived by her son Thomas G. Miller, Jr. and his wife Allison; granddaughter Kate Miller Morton and her husband John Morton; great-granddaughter Grace Morton; brother Scott Cracraft and his wife Patti, numerous nieces and nephews, and a group of men that she refers to as her ''adopted sons'' to whom she has given much love and whose love was returned since their high school days.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother George Knox Cracraft, Jr..
The family would like to thank Katie's close friend and companion, Susan Jarrett, for her loving care the last few years as well as the wonderful and caring staff of Trezevant Terrace.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. John's Episcopal Church,( 625 Pecan St., Helena, Ar 72342), the Trezevant Foundation, (177 North Highland Street , Memphis, Tennessee 38111) or the charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, Monday, April 27th at 1:30pm.
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
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20 Condolence(s)
Jim and Kathe Enlow
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Tom and Family, sorry to hear about your Mom. She was such a great friend of my Mother and our family and basically help raise me on 9th street. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family..
Barbara Riddell
Monday, April 27, 2015
Katie was a special person and easy to love. Adored living next door to her on Rolling Oaks. Have sweet memories of visiting with her many times. She will be missed.
Larry and Sharon Crumby
Monday, April 27, 2015
Praying for your family at this sad time. KT was a wonderful neighbor and friend.
Larry and Sharon Crumby
Mary Jane Franks Barringer
Monday, April 27, 2015
Tommy - I don't know if you remember me I lived on S. 9th street growing up. Your sweet Mom use to pass her teenie tiny high heels on to me to play in when I was playing dress up! She was a fun and sweet lady. You are so fortunate to have had her here for so long!
Pat Williams
Monday, April 27, 2015
Oh my goodness - KT was such an adorable little lady. She always made everyone feel like her very special friend. She was a very special person and I love her.
Becky Vandervoort
Monday, April 27, 2015
I have loved Aunt Katie since the first time I visited Helena as a young girl. She was the ultimate Southern hostess! She invited girls my age from Helena to a formal tea party in my honor to introduce me...Her good china, lovely sandwiches and cookies and even had party favors. She knew how to make you feel special and I pray she knew how special she was to me.
Liz Wellborn
Monday, April 27, 2015
Katie was a good friend. She was always upbeat and fun to be with. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. I will miss her. Liz Wellborn
Carol Galloway Stone
Sunday, April 26, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about your sweet Mom. She was such a delight and loved by all in our Helena- West Helena community. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God's blessings be with you. Love, Carol
Jim and Diane Mayer
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Tom and the Cracraft family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim and Diane Mayer
B G May
Saturday, April 25, 2015
I regret that I never met your mother but she was truly beautiful and sounded so interesting. I am saddened that the opportunity never presented itself...she sounded wonderful. Prayers for your family.
Tom Webb
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Tom, the whole Webb family is so sorry to hear about Katie's death.
She and my mom were sorority sisters and she introduce my parents to each other, thereby earning a special place in our family history.
She is special and we all have lost a friend.
Tom and Beth Webb
AL AND EMMA LEE GORDON
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Katie brought a smile to all and was a joy
in the lives of all who knew her.
We send our sympathy to her family,
Al and Emma Lee Gordon
Elizabeth Henry
Saturday, April 25, 2015
I know Katie has not been in good health for a while, but it still is incomprehensible when someone so full of life dies. I am grateful for all the years of friendship between our families, and especially for the years we had together at Moon Lake.
That's a wonderful photo of Katie.
Sherwood Anders
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Tom, Allison, Katie, John and Grace,
We are so sorry to hear of K-T's passing. I will always remember her charm, graciousness and hospitality and have so many happy, fun memories of spending time with her and Teedie, watching her squirrels on her deck, and her sharing stories. She welcomed me into the Helena family with lots of love and always made me feel at home. She will be missed by many. She was the classic definition of a Southern Belle. I hope that lots of loving memories of happy times bring you comfort. Vaya con dios, Katie - the heavens will be brighter with you in them. Descansa en paz - and tell Teedie we say hi and miss her. <3
Bob Anders-Sherwood Anders
Saturday, April 25, 2015
We are sorry to hear about Katie. All I can think about are the great times I had growing up with you and your family.Love Bob&Sherwood
Charley Williams
Friday, April 24, 2015
Such great memories of Aunt Katie from my childhood. She always made me feel so very special and what a beautiful picture of her!
Dody Owens Jones
Friday, April 24, 2015
Allison, my prayers are going up at this time for you and Tom...
The times I met your mother -in-law, she was always gracious and pleasantly having a bit of fun! I know she will be missed but well remembered.
When someone is at peace, you can't help but feel a little peaceful for them, too.
Just in case, I'm sure you remember our old days at SSA
Tom Hendrickson
Friday, April 24, 2015
I will always remember the warm way "Aunt Katie" welcomed me into the Cracraft family when I married Kathy, and what an important part of Kathy's life she always was. A truly gracious and wonderful person.
Billie Sue Rohrscheib
Friday, April 24, 2015
Tom and Family, we are so sorry about your sweet Mother. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. She will be missed by everyone that knew her. We will keep you in our prayers during this time. Love, Henry and Billie Sue Rohrscheib
Lynette Burt Murphy
Friday, April 24, 2015
Miller and Cracraft family:
Ms. Katie was always such a blast and so gracious and warm. Nothing could make a day like when she was around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.