West Columbia - Mary Beatrice Cook Miller "Bee", 91, of West Columbia, passed away of natural causes on Friday, September 4, 2015, with family at her side. Born on October 4, 1923, Bee was the daughter of the late Narcis Amaker Cook and Willie Edgar Cook of North, SC. Bee resided in North until graduating from North High School where she was the Class of 1940 valedictorian. She then moved to Columbia where she met her future husband, James Aubrey Miller from Wagener, SC. Bee was predeceased by her husband, James, who passed away in January 1981. Surviving are her daughters, Patricia Miller Crocker (Jess) of Houston, Deborah Miller Winslow (Don) of Cayce, and Cynthia Jane Miller of West Columbia. Also, surviving are her brothers, Jerry Cook (Madge) of Swansea, and Wesley Cook (Lyndell) of Laurens; and many stepgrandchildren, stepgreat-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Bee spent her adult life in West Columbia working for 50 years as a bookkeeper. She was an active member at Northside Baptist Church and secretary/treasurer of the Joyful Grace Sunday School Class. She was a dedicated member of the Silver Saints Senior Adult Choir and the XYZ Organization. Bee was generous with her time, serving as president and program director of the West Columbia/Cayce AARP Chapter, volunteering at God's Helping Hands, and volunteering at Lexington Extended Care (Rikard's Nursing Home) for 35 years. Bee was a favorite for being a compassionate listener which bonded friendships for years. She was a woman of great faith whose inner strength sustained her and inspired others, especially her children. She was a treasure to all who knew her for her Servant Heart, her love of missions, but above all, for her faithfulness to each and every endeavor. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Amanda Arnold, Virginia Driggers and Karen Jones who faithfully and lovingly helped care for Bee. Their dedication will be forever appreciated. The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 8, 2015, from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, 200 State Street, West Columbia. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2015, at Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia. Burial will follow in Southland Memorial Gardens. Always remembered in Bee's daily prayers were the animals, great and small, that need food, water and a warm, dry place to rest. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to PETS, Inc., PO Box 6394, West Columbia, SC 29171. © The State, Columbia, SC, 6 Sep 2015