"Dear sweet Maryella ....I am writing this on behalf of my family and others that were not not notified that Mary had gone home to her heavenly father and her other family members....we were sooooo devastated and can t figure out why.Jackson was so very sad as he called me from California on Friday to tell me the news.He drove dilegenty all nite to make it back and he just couldn t do it.He wanted so very badly to say goodbye to the grandma that ment more to him than any one possibly could...we r so very sorry to the mcpherson s and also wanted to b there.I loved Mary and I know we didn t see eye to eye on some things through out our relationship,we were so much alike in our stuberness but we knew we both loved each other tremendously.Mary..u are so loved by me and went home to soon,but heavenly father did not see it that way.Thank u from the bottom of my heart for taking such good care of Jack...I can t tell you how much he loves u.He also wishes he would have learned of her passing sooner,and we all could have come to give you all heartfelt hugs ...we want u to know that we all got together and watched the funeral and shed many tears...Jack,myself ,his father Paul,who was close w Mary,my mom and dad,the greaves family ,Karen,David,and my friend gini who loved Mary . All my friends loved her. ..What a beautiful ceremony...thank u Oliver and Gail for the awesome talks . .so well done and said everything.we had a hard time getting through it especially Jack ...not sure if he LL ever be the same...with out his special grandma. ..we love u all and just wanted u all to know that it wasn t a matter of not caring. We were not informed or prepared to Be there in person ,But we were there in spirit and we also know Mary was with us too and she knows of our sadness...Jackson felt her presents and her spirit touched him tremendously .We love u Mary . And I know we LL see u again soon..much love and thoughts and prayers to all the mcpherson s . ... Krista cornaby"
In loving memory of
Maryella McPherson Miller
June 16, 1945 - April 25, 2021
Maryella McPherson Cornaby Miller passed away at St. Mark's Hospital in Salt Lake City on Sunday, April 25, 2021, as a result of a stroke, followed by heart failure. Born June 16, 1945, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Maryella was the fourth of seven children born to Arthur and Lorna McPherson. She graduated from Elizabeth City High School and attended Brigham Young University. Maryella loved traveling. At the drop of a hat, she would join with family or a close friend, traveling to Europe, Israel and the Middle East, and Alaska, where she and a cousin stayed and worked for a while. She later met and married Gordon Cornaby. Although they never had children together, Maryella became deeply attached to a grandson, Jackson Cornaby, and though Maryella and Gordon later divorced, her relationship with Jackson remained strong throughout her life. Later, Maryella renewed a relationship with Wayne Miller, someone she had dated as a young adult. The spark was rekindled and they married on November 8, 2008, giving her a supportive and loving companion. Maryella was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found comfort and strength in her commitment to live Christ's teachings. Maryella had a remarkable memory which she used to remember family member's birthdays, anniversaries, and special events. A characteristic that would bring both a chuckle and envious admiration was Maryella's frugality (a McPherson Scottish trait). "Don't spend a dime, if it can be obtained for a nickel!" One of Maryella's favorite and frequent traveling destinations was the Outer Banks of North Carolina . . . the beach! Beginning in her youth with summers spent at the family beach cottage and continuing throughout her life, this was her place to get rejuvenated, relaxed, tanned, and rested up in order to take on the vicissitudes of day-to-day life. Although Maryella had many challenges, primarily health related, she was optimistic and didn't complain. Her good nature helped her look for ways to buoy others' up. Maryella's sweet, gentle nature will be missed, but we know where she is now, being welcomed with open arms by her departed loved ones. Maryella is survived by her husband Wayne, and his children, Erin and Mark Baty, Sean and Katie Miller, Christopher Miller, Zach and Alisa Miller, Eric and Jessica Miller, grandson Jackson, and 11 other grandchildren and her siblings: Alvin and Peggy McPherson, Gayle and Tom Cannon, Oliver and Nancy McPherson, Geri and Frank Weeks, Weston (deceased) and Sandra McPherson, Linda McPherson and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Click this link to view additional details about Maryella's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/maryelle-miller
Tributes
"I am very saddened to learn of Maryella's passing. I fondly remember as a very sweet young lady in the Elizabeth City Ward. She was a very pretty young lady and a very kind friend to all. The McPherson family has always very special to me. Maryella's parents were so devoted to the Gospel and so important to helping others grow and become stronger. My thoughts and prayers go out top all of Maryella's family and loved ones. Although I don't see any of her family anymore, they will always hold a special place in my heart."