Irene Miller Erwin, age 85, of Cape Girardeau passed away on Sunday, August 15, 1999 in Jackson, Mo. She was born on July 22, 1914 in Cape Girardeau, the daughter of John Ralph Burge and Edna Earl Finley.
She married Fieldon M. Miller on June 6, 1936. He preceeded her in death on May 31, 1965. On October 4, 1969, she married Elmer H. Erwin in Chaffee, Mo. He preceeded her in death on August 28, 1992. Mrs. Erwin taught schools in Benton, Vanduser, Delta, Scott City, Cape Central and Wolf Lake, Ill. She later moved to Houston, Tx. where she worked for the Museum of Fine Arts and tutored for a private school for five years. She was also active in several clubs and organizations, such as, Quest Club, Historical Society, Retired Teacher's Council, and was the former President of the AAUW. She volunteered her time with the SEMO Arts Council. In Houston, she belonged to International Neighbors and volunteered for Twelve Oaks Hospital.
She was also active in her church, the First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau. Mrs. Erwin is survived by two sons, Brian F. Miller of Jackson and Fieldon B. Miller of Cape Girardeau; one daughter, Susan Miller Schweain of Jackson; seven grandchildren, Jerry Ray Schweain of Cape Girardeau, Ricky L. Schweain of Gordonville, John Schweain of Cape Girardeau, Sandra Schweain Banderet of High Ridge, Bryan M. Miller of Leheigh Acres, Fla., Maegan E. Miller of Jackson, and Amber K. Miller of Jackson; four Great-Grandchildren, Shawna M. Schweain of Cape Girardeau, Steven L. Banderet of High Ridge, Marquee C. Banderet of High Ridge and Bryan J. Miller of Leheigh Acres, Fla.; three Step-Great-Grandchildren, Brandon Streiler, Justin Streiler and Melissa Luttrell all of Gordonville, Mo.
She was preceeded in death by one daughter, Carolyn Miller; one brother, Charles Burge. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 17, 1999 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 1999 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Larry Gray and Rev. Kevin Morgan. Burial will follow in the Lorimier Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Southeast Hospice.
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