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Though originally from Morgan County, Essie Miller has called Winchester home since 1950. 

On August 24th, she joined an elite club of centenarians. 

Miller turned 100 years old, and was recognized in multiple ways such as celebrations at both the James B. Allen Jr. Generations Center and Legacy Grove Park. 

“I had a good time,” Miller said humbly. 

Miller grew up on a farm, instilling a strong work ethic. 

She spoke of the process of hoeing corn and other crops – noting it was a very common practice at the time – in order to avoid facing challenges that might reduce harvest. 

Milking cows was yet another task undertaken. 

However, priorities were still kept. 

“We always went to church on Sundays,” she said, noting that many stores were closed that day. “If you didn’t go to church on Sundays, you [were] missing out on a lot of stuff.” 

As did many children of what some historians call The Greatest Generation, Miller’s early life was not without challenges. 

Her mother died when she was just nine years old, and the Great Depression took place. 

“Money was very scarce,” she said, noting that tobacco crops were also raised. 

Eventually, Miller would marry, with she and her husband raising twelve children – eight boys and four girls. 

While her husband worked as a coal miner, Miller continued the same work she’d come to know so well as a child. 

She has farmed tobacco crops, sold chickens, and more. 

Regardless of age, she continues to be active, attending the Generations Center weekly. 

“She’s here everyday, smiles, [and] knows everything,” said Jasmine Harris, director of Generations Senior Center. “We had twenty-something seniors here to celebrate [with] her…she loves to dance, so she asked me to dance with her.”

Miller has previously been commended for her cooking expertise – where she originally started on a wood stove – with many compliments given for her chicken and dumplings. 

She has also been innovative in other ways.

“We [even] used to make our own soap,” she said. 

Miller has shown recreational interest, as explained by an event that occurred not too long ago. 

“About eight years ago, our church went up…to the lake to fish. Everybody was catching…big fish,” she said. “I took…a little bit of strawberries to eat. I hooked a strawberry on that hook and [threw] that reel into that pond. I caught a twelve-pound catfish!” 

Miller spoke simply when asked what had changed about Winchester since the time of her arrival. 

“Everything’s changed,” she said. 

She also offered succinct advice when asked what she would like to tell youth. 

“Don’t get in [any] trouble,” she responded. 

Essie Miller, a Winchester resident since 1950, celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday, August 24th. (Photo by Matt Cizek).