June 6, 1943  –  April 16, 2025

BELDEN – Mrs. Neal (Trudie Emils) Miller, 81, after a long period of declining health, found wholeness and fulfillment as she entered into eternal life and joy on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from NMMC Hospice Unit. She was born in Oklahoma City, OK, on June 6, 1943, to the late Col. Arnold Lee Emils U.S.M.C., Ret., and Pauline Steger Emils. Her father was a celebrated United States Marine Corps Officer who served in WW II, Korea and Vietnam, and her mother was the daughter of an Assembly of God preacher. The family lived in multiple locations during her growing up years. Trudie married Neal Miller on Sept. 12, 1964 in Memphis and he survives. The Millers were part of the early development of the furniture industry and relocated to Tupelo in 1986. A deeply spiritual family, the Millers were longtime active members of First Evangelical Church (now called Hope) before moving to Love Alive Church in Guntown where Trudie was active in Children’s Bible Study. A petite 5’ 2” ball of energy and perseverance, Trudie was a born dancer and was employed with Sarah Karrant at North Mississippi Dance Studio for many years, where she trained hundreds of young ladies in the fine art of multiple dancing genres. High energy, strong willed and always positive and encouraging, she was beloved and respected by her students. Neal and Trudie in their retirement became financially and actively involved in the ministries of Eight Days of Hope. She and Neal traveled extensively with the teams to disaster areas. Neal was the Tool Trailer driver and Trudie, with her gifts to children, would organize children’s activities in the storm ravaged areas. She was an expert dancer, a master seamstress and knitter. Two quotes she made before her death: “If my life was not the message, then what else is there to say?” and “Don’t mourn my death, I’m alive in Heaven.” She will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Visitation will be from 1 PM to 2 PM Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Love Alive Christian Center, 1096 CR 833, Guntown, MS. A Life Celebration service will begin at 2 PM with Pastor Jimmy Haley officiating. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to serve the family. (662 840 5000)

Trudie is survived by her husband of 61 years, Neal of Belden; three sons, Neal Stewart Miller, Jr. of Wylie, TX, LtCol James Lewis Miller, U.S.M.C., Ret. (Heidi) of Sinton, TX, and Eric Arnold Miller (Joanne) of Lavaca, Ark.; her grandchildren whom Grammy or Mammie loved dearly, Kayla, Trey, Charles, Jacob, Maya, Morgan, and Mark; one great granddaughter, Amelia; one brother, Ray Emils, and three sisters, Michal, Connie and Bettye; brother-in-law, Fred Miller (Ann); and several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families across the country.

The family suggests memorials be made to Eight Days of Hope, P. O. Box 3208, Pontotoc, MS 38863. Condolences may be posted on Trudie’s obit page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.