Miller and Vinay recall their careers and look forward to the future
The Rev. Beth Ann Miller and her husband, attorney Louis Vinay, look forward to a rich and full retirement.
Beth Ann Miller and Louis Vinay have been married for 35 years. They met when a mutual friend, Martha “Matchmaker” McMurray-Russ, told Louis he needed to ask Beth Ann out and told Beth she needed to go out with Louis!
They dated a couple of times and several years later they reconnected and “the rest is history,” as they say. They have a son, Seth, who was born in 1992 and a daughter, Sara Grace, who was born in 1999.
Louis is a lifelong resident of Burke County, born and raised in Valdese. He is of Waldensian heritage on his father’s side — both of his father’s parents were born in Italy.
Last year Louis was lucky enough to visit the Waldensian homeland in the Italian Alps. Louis grew up in Waldensian Presbyterian Church in Valdese and has especially fond memories of Sunday School teachers there.
He has one younger brother, Robert, a civil engineer who lives in Raleigh with his family.
Louis attended UNC-Chapel Hill, graduating in 1976 with a major in History. “With that degree,” he quips, “there was nothing to do but go to law school!” (Or, as a fellow history major, in my case it was theological school.) He graduated from Duke Law School in 1979.
Beth grew up in Louisville, Ohio, (near Canton) with her two older sisters, Kathy and Donna.
She says, “I am close to them and their families and still treasure the times we are together.”
Beth explains, “I graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics education. I returned home to teach for three years, and then entered Union Presbyterian Seminary in the fall of 1979. I graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1982.”
Beth came to Morganton in 1983 to be the associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church.
INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE
In considering those who have had great impact upon their lives and who they are as people, Louis says, “My parents, neither of whom went to college, always emphasized learning and education, and taught me to avoid prejudices.”
Beth Ann also is thankful to her parents, “Who were down to earth good people, hard-working, and always active in our church. My mother truly embodied the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and was a master in all types of needlework, from tatting to quilting.”
Louis notes that “As an adult, Beth Ann has consistently been an influential inspiration,” adding, “I so admire her spiritual strength and appreciate her encouragement.”
Beth Ann responds that, “I have always admired Louis’ kindness and ability to approach every person he meets, regardless of who they are or where they’re from, with warmth and acceptance. He always finds a mutual topic of conversation that says, ‘we are on equal ground.’”
They both agree that their lives have been enriched beyond measure by their children.
Beth reflects on son Seth, who was born with Down syndrome, “He has given us so much joy and pride. He is an inspiration! We became part of a community of remarkable families, and we see unique gifts in every one of his friends. There are folks who deny it, but we also see how spiritual each one is and that is beautiful.”
About daughter Sara Grace, Beth says, “From the time she was a toddler we have been amazed and awed by her! She is capable and confident, has a strong work ethic and is very loyal to her family and friends. Most of all she is a beautiful and delightful person who cares deeply about others. We are very proud of her.”
Louis adds, “As a lawyer, I have very fond memories of, and was greatly influenced by, multiple members of the Simpson family (Glen Alpine had more great characters than Mayberry) and McMurray family (John McMurray was a real-life Atticus Finch). We both have had the pleasure to know and interact with the entire Ervin family from several generations.”
Beth Ann remembers many delightful and interesting people whose roots went back to “the old Presbyterian Church” across from the old Post Office on N. Sterling. She remembers, “The stories they told, the history they shared were priceless. It was so much fun to listen to master storytellers like Beverly McMurray and sisters Nan Jeter and Tuck Walker, whose stories often started with, ‘Sister, remember Mama said . . .’”
STELLAR CAREERS
OF SERVICEIn addition to First Presbyterian Church, Morganton, the Reverend Miller served Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Lenoir. When Beth Ann came to Burke County as a minister, she was an anomaly.She was one of only two women in ministry in the Presbytery, and one of only a few in Burke County. Beth Ann explains, “Instinctively, I knew that the most important thing for me to do first was to simply love and serve my congregation. I didn’t implement any changes for a while because I was the change!”
She relates one of her dearest memories, “There was a man who was opposed to my coming to Morganton FPC. A number of years later, when he was dying, he requested that I be the one to officiate at his funeral. I was deeply touched by that. I am still amazed and deeply grateful that God called me to ministry. There is nothing else that would have given me such a rich and meaningful life.”
Vinay started practice with the Simpson-Aycock law firm in 1979 and was in a general practice for many years. He has memories of several exceptional judges, “The intimidating Federal Judge Woodrow Wilson Jones; the delightful homespun style of U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Marvin Wooten; and Morganton’s own wise and kind Sam J. Ervin III.”
In 2012, Louis moved from private practice to being Morganton’s full time City Attorney. It is the position from which he just retired.
He reflects, “Although I enjoyed many aspects of my legal practice, I truly felt that being City Attorney was the job for which I was born. I felt a great sense of accomplishment in my work for the city.”
Louis is also proud that he had the honor of serving as an elder and Sunday School teacher in three different churches in Burke County!
RETIREMENT
In retirement Beth Ann and Louis look forward to spending more time with their family. They say, “Our son Seth always reminds us that being retired means we can ‘spend more time with me, which will be a joy!”
They would love to travel more because it’s something they haven’t done much to this point. They want to visit more of the United States as well as other countries, and to wander around the mountain towns of western North Carolina.
Both are voracious readers, with Louis enjoying history books; while Beth Ann likes mysteries and books about social justice, faith, and politics.
She also hopes to return to her hobbies of scrapbooking and knitting. Louis hopes to find more time for playing golf, and perhaps finally getting as good at it as his dad, brother, uncle, and cousins!
MORGANTON AND BURKE COUNTY
Beth Ann and Louis are both grateful to live in Burke County. Beth says, “I fell in love with Morganton and Burke County as soon as I moved here. With the mountains all around it is a beautiful place to live.
“It is unusual for a city this size to offer the vast array of opportunities for recreation and the arts: from parks and the greenway to concerts on the Courthouse lawn, Music on the Porch, COMMA, the Arts Council, restaurants and more.
“I hope it will continue to highlight and build on the rich cultural diversity we have. People work hard and take great pride in making Morganton a wonderful place to live, work and play.”
Louis, as a lifelong resident and city employee, says he is a bit biased; however, he does agree about the natural beauty of Burke County and adds that, “the City of Morganton has so many advantages, both in natural resources, and in forward-thinking leadership. As a result, we truly ‘punch above our weight’ as a small city.”
Fred Schuszler is a columnist for The Paper. He may be reached at fredschuszler@gmail.com.
