MaryAnne Cora Hoefelmeyer Miller

MaryAnne Cora Hoefelmeyer Miller, 91, of Greenville, devoted wife of the late Joe H. Miller, passed away on March 14, 2024.

Born on August 28, 1932, in Detroit, MI, to the late Fredrick and Beatrice O’melia Hoefelmeyer. MaryAnne was a remarkable woman who embodied compassion, intelligence, and resilience.

She obtained a Master’s Degree in Education from Michigan State University, which served as the foundation for her exceptional career in teaching. MaryAnne’s unwavering dedication led her to impact countless lives throughout the years, as she passionately served students in various educational settings, including High Schools, Middle Schools, Head Start, and Gifted programs. She was accepted into the Tuscaloosa, AL Space Program as part of her second Master’s in Education, which includes authentic astronaut training simulators and activities, developed to promote learning in a classroom setting. Her inventive teaching methods, genuine care for her students, and unwavering commitment to their success were widely recognized and admired by all who had the privilege to know her.

While teaching High School in Detroit, MI she met Joe Miller, an educator as well, and it was love at first sight. But marriage would have to wait, as MaryAnne was granted a position to teach one year in Japan under the US Air force, an educator’s opportunity for diversity and discovery. After their love crossed continents they were rejoined and married on August 16, 1958 in Detroit, MI and together shared 40 years of wedded bliss.

Outside of the classroom, MaryAnne cherished her role as a loving mother and grandmother (Mimi). Always fun and creative with games and whim, making all feel special to be gifted into her beautiful family. Her children, Michelle M. Bushey and husband, Scott, and Megan Miller-Brown and husband, Mark, Mark C. Miller and wife, Teri; her cherished grandchildren, Rachel Watson her husband, Rob, Suzanne Mahan her husband, Alex, Katherine Miller, and Joseph Miller; two great granddaughters, Addison and Charlotte; and her great grandson James, were all the light of her life. MaryAnne’s devotion to her family was unparalleled, and she created a bond of love and support that will continue to resonate through the generations.

MaryAnne was a talented artist and enjoyed painting in all mediums (oil, watercolor, acrylic, pencils and pastels). Her first painting was stretched in linen by her father when she was just 14. Her exceptional artistic talents rewarded her with acceptance to a Detroit Magnum High School for the studies of art.

MaryAnne will always be remembered for the light she brought into the lives of others. She leaves behind a profound impact on the educational community and the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory forever be a blessing to us all.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in MaryAnne’s honor to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church by visiting www.smmcc.org or Golden Apple Award to continue her legacy in supporting students and education in our community by mailing to WYFF News 4 Attn: Golden Apple Award, 505 Rutherford Street, Greenville, SC 29609.

A service will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences and your favorite memories of MaryAnne may be shared with the family by clicking the “Share a Memory, Leave a Message” below.