It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marybelle Johnson Miller, who left this world peacefully on November 26, 2025, at her home in Tilghman Island, Maryland. Born on September 24, 1932, in Federalsburg, Maryland, to the late Roland Howard Johnson and Ethel Ray (Hubbard) Johnson. Marybelle's life was beautifully woven with threads of love, faith, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.
Marybelle was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David "Bunky" Miller, with whom she shared an extraordinary bond for 71 years. Their love story began with their marriage on September 26, 1952, in Tilghman Island, and it blossomed into a legacy of love and commitment that inspired all who knew them. Together, they raised a beautiful family, which became Marybelle's greatest treasure. She often expressed that both she and Bunky were the wealthiest people in the world, not in material possessions, but in the love of their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Marybelle is survived by her devoted children: Christina G. Phillips (Warren), Bonnie L. Burris (Bill), and David R. Miller (Jen). She was a cherished grandmother to ten grandchildren Warren L. Phillips, II (Robin), Aaron S. Phillips (Melissa), Tara C. (Phillips) Zellman (Fred), T. Eric Fluharty (Alison), Amber R. (Phillips) Dawson (Brian), Cory D. Fluharty (Sandra), Adam T. Fluharty (Sasapin), Kristin L. (Miller) Nieves (Nelson), David Jordan Miller (Kirstie) and Taylor C. Burris. Additionally, she was blessed with her adored great-grandchildren of Logan C. Fluharty (Haleigh), Morgan A. Phillips, Allyssa C. Capitano, Alecsander S. Phillips, Gavin S. Zellman, Hannah E. Fluharty, Brian C. Dawson, Chase A. Zellman, Ava S. Phillips, Remy G. Fluharty, Alexandra R. Dawson, Paityn O. Phillips, Lilyana M. Dawson, Jack B. Fluharty, D. Asher Miller, Vincent A. Nieves, Josie S. Miller and the late Camryn B. Phillips and great-great-grandmother of Adeline G. Kelley, Ceciliya Stephenson and the late Nathan S. Kelley. She was enormously proud of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great- great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister, Sarah Lee Johnson, who passed away as an infant.
A graduate from Federalsburg High School in 1949. Her professional journey began in a local drug store, helping in the office, followed by a position at the Tilghman Packing Company, where she worked in accounting and occasionally the wrapping machine in the evenings, and later at St. Michaels Bank (Mercantile Bank) starting as a teller and climbing the corporate ladder, where she found a position at the Mercantile Bank in Tilghman and ultimately served as branch manager, where she was known for her integrity and dedication until her retirement.
Marybelle's unwavering faith was a guiding force throughout her life, reflected in her deep commitment to Tilghman United Methodist Church. Her contributions included serving on various boards, teaching Sunday School for over 20 years, nurturing the faith of countless young adults, where she helped found the youth group which at one time had more than seventy young adults attending. She was a dedicated leader of the "Prayer Chain," making numerous calls, to share and encourage others to pray as a community. Countless hours were also spent reminding others of upcoming church events, such as the "Men's Prayer Breakfast." Marybelle's beautiful voice was a gift from God, and she used that talent praising the Lord in many venues such as the church choir. Her husband Bunky Miller founded the "Miller Family Singers," which consisted of her family, a musical group that spread joy through song on the Cambridge Radio Station. Along with her husband, they went on to create the "One Accords" another Christian singing group with their close friends; Barbara & Herman Haddaway and Carroll & Hildred Lowery. She was also a member of the Tilghman Aires, an all-ladies gospel quartet. Marybelle and her husband Bunky helped organize the Revival event "Jesus on the Island," exemplifying their dedication and unwavering Christian faith to help spread God's love.
In addition to her devotion to family and faith, Marybelle enjoyed playing sports in her youth, fondly recalling her days on the basketball courts, and playing softball, but it was her stories of playing Field Ball during the 1940s that gave her the greatest joy. Above all, her dedication to her family was immeasurable, always the foundation upon which they stood. Her uplifting spirit shone brightest in her warm hugs and heartfelt reminders to "Give it to God and lay it at His feet," encouraging those around her to find strength through their faith.
The family is so grateful to Marybelle's caregivers, Donna Tucker, Trina Green, Tysheka Jenkins, and Eva Smith. Their loving care made it possible for Marybelle to fulfill her wish to remain in her own home, and their compassion will never be forgotten.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Tilghman United Methodist Church, 5731 Tilghman Island Road, Tilghman, MD. A celebration of her life will follow at 12 p.m., officiating Pastor David Kelley. A burial will immediately follow in the Tilghman Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Tilghman United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 192, Tilghman, MD 21671.
As we gather to honor Marybelle, we will celebrate a life rich in love, resilience, and unwavering faith.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8:28
The love she shared and the lives she touched will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know her. Her legacy will forever remind us of the beauty of a heart dedicated to family, faith, and community. Messages of condolences and memories to share may be made at www.zellmanfuneralhome.com