Dorothy Gilchrist Miller
June 10, 1918-Aug. 2, 2012
WALTON -- Dorothy Gilchrist Miller, 94, a Walton native, died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, at Autumn Years Adult Home in Greene.
Dorothy was born June 10, 1918, in Walton, the daughter of John K. and Claribel (Leal) Gilchrist. She grew up on the family dairy farm on West Brook with her siblings, Blanche, Clarence, Howard, Catherine, and AnnaMae, who all predeceased her.
Dorothy graduated from Walton Central School and was employed by JJ Newberry & Co., where she met Everette Miller, to whom she was married on July 1, 1941. They enjoyed more than 50 years of marriage until he died in March 1992.
Dorothy and her husband were involved in the poultry business all of their married life, beginning with raising chickens for eggs and fresh poultry products. Later, they began the barbecued chicken enterprise which evolved into the seasonal restaurant and catering business known as Miller's Barbecue. She was very happy and proud the business continues under family ownership by her grandson, Matt.
Dorothy will be remembered by family and friends as a devoted Christian, wife, mother and grandmother.
Dorothy was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School, was active in the Women's Association, and was a Deacon. She was a Past Matron of the Willowemoc-Downsville chapter 304, Order of the Eastern Star.
Dorothy is survived by their two daughters and sons-in-law, Jean and Ron Compeau of Port Crane; Johanna and Richard Hoffmeister of Walton; her grandchildren, Mark (Christine) Compeau, Tricia (Constontino) Heon, Matthew (Kathryn Kochersberger) Hoffmeister, Angela (Jeffrey) Gillette; her great-grandchildren, Cody, Allison, and Sophia Compeau, Peter, Andrew and Leah Heon, Aubrie and Jayden Hoffmeister, Kira and Benjamin Gillette; her dedicated caregivers at Autumn Years, Michal Ann and Patrick Grow; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends and family are invited to call 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 4, at the United Presbyterian Church, 58 East St., Walton, where services will be held at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Lisa Ruth Mays officiating. Burial will follow in Walton Cemetery, 55 Fancher Avenue, Walton.
Memorial contributions in Dorothy's name may be made to Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Old Vestal Road, Vestal, NY 13850 or United Presbyterian Church, 58 East St., Walton, NY 13856.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting www.courtneyfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton.
