[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 11, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S3022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    TRIBUTE TO EMMA JEAN GUYN MILLER

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, it is with great admiration and 
respect that I take this time to memorialize one of Kentucky's most 
cherished citizens, Mrs. Emma Jean Guyn Miller. Unfortunately, Mrs. 
Miller passed away at the age of 107. However, her life story should 
serve as an inspiration for people in central Kentucky and around the 
entire United States.
  Mrs. Miller was born in Woodford County on September 29, 1901, and 
moved with her family to Nicholasville in 1902. Since she was young 
Mrs. Miller knew that she wanted to gain an education and better her 
community. However, since Kentucky schools were still segregated during 
this time period, Mrs. Miller could only attend the Nicholasville 
Colored School, that only served students through the eighth grade. 
This situation did not stop Mrs. Miller. Her mother, making only $4.50 
a week, and her local church saved enough money to send Mrs. Miller to 
Russell High School in Lexington where she graduated in 1920.
  After graduating from high school she attended Turner Normal School 
in Shelbyville, TN, and earned her teaching certificate. She then 
returned to Nicholasville and began a teaching career that lasted over 
40 years. Mrs. Miller began her career teaching in a one room 
schoolhouse and did not retire until segregated schools were ended in 
Nicholasville. Her students remembered Mrs. Miller as a kind but strict 
teacher who always had their best interest at heart.
  In 1940 she married William Miller, and although they did not have 
any children, the Millers opened their home to numerous young people in 
the community who needed a place to stay. She also continued to be 
active in Bethel AME Church, now Bethel Methodist Church, and was a 
member for over 80 years. This church was the same congregation that 
helped pay for her education at Russell High School.
  Mrs. Miller's life story should serve an inspiration to every 
American. Her uniquely American story should give us hope that we can 
make a difference in our local communities and change the world one 
person at a time.

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