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Emily Carolyn Miley Slay
Aug 7, 1929 to Dec 6, 2025
Preceded in death by: parents, Harvey D. and Lillian Mae Miley. Husband, (James) Robert Slay. Brothers: Rev. Wade Miley, Rev Wesley Miley, Wayne Russell Miley, and Eddie Ray Miley. Sisters: Virgie Magee, Eula Little, Carrie Currie, and Bettie Sue Higgins.
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Survived by: Daughter, Carolyn (Rance) and son James Robert (Kay). Grandchildren, Christie Huddleston (Jay), Robin Dietrick (Jon), Robert Slay and Holly Little (Daryl). Great-grandchildren: Joshua Huddleston, Gavin Little, Kalom Little, and EmiMae Little.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Mendenhall. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Mendenhall. Burial will follow in Mendenhall Cemetery in Mendenhall, Mississippi. Bro. Danny Dickerson will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Mendenhall is in charge of arrangements. 601-847-4401
Emily was raised as the second youngest of 9 children of Christian, farming parents. Hard rural conditions and staunch determination taught her that she could achieve any goal with tenacity, self confidence and hard work.
Emily met the love of her life, (James) Robert Slay and were married July 22, 1950. Daughter Carolyn and son James Robert soon followed. They followed James from one military base to another for about 10 years until they acquired a bit of family land and built a modest home on “Miley Hill”. Emily managed the family, oversaw the new home construction, and made sure it was ready for James when he retired from the Air Force in ’62. In the following years the house and homestead steadily grew to accommodate their love of the “Hill” and wanting more comfortable family gathering for an ever-growing family.
“Love of Family” was the focal point of Emily’s life. Taking care of family in times of need was a task that she eagerly shouldered countless times. Family reunions were emphasized; family member accomplishments were celebrated.
She joined the U.S. Postal Service in ’66 and worked at the Mendenhall office for over 35 years. This brought her into contact with lots of folks who became life-long friends.
In 1971, Emily (almost) officially changed her name to “Nan” with the birth of her first grandchild, Christie. More grands followed and more and more friends began calling her Nan, and she loved it!
Emily had so many skills and interests; gardening, sewing, cooking, yardwork. But her true passion was her grandchildren. Their lives became her focal point. And, all children brought a beaming smile to her, no matter what aches or pains had flared up at the time – she loved all children.
We all love you Nan, and thank you for sharing your love with all of us!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mendenhall Cemetery Association, PO Box 838, Mendenhall, MS 39114, and St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com
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