Jessie Alfreda Miller of East Prairie, Missouri passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Missouri. She was born July 10, 1928, in Dorena, Missouri to the late Ted Floyd Bennett and Hattie Mae Lindley Bennett. She had recently celebrated her 95th birthday with family and friends. She was employed by East Prairie Public Schools for over 26 years before her retirement. Alfreda was an original member of the James Bayou Cookers, where she assisted her brother Teddy and his crew by preparing award winning catfish dinners. They began cooking for friends in East Prairie and the surrounding communities but were later recognized nationally, cooking and serving meals for several decades.  She was known by many for preparing delicious dinners in her home throughout the years, and she always enjoyed making her famous divinity and fudge each Christmas.

On March 15, 1946, she married L.C. Miller, who preceded her in death August 18, 1986.

Survivors include one son and his wife, Gary and Pat Miller of Dogwood, Missouri; three grandchildren, Mark Nathan Miller, James Derek Miller and Rachel Wooten; six great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; and daughter-in-law Lisa Miller of Old Hickory, Tennessee.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Harold Dale Miller, who died December 14, 1996; four brothers, Ruben Archie Bennett, Teddy Bennett, Harold Eugene Bennett and Beverly Floyd Bennett; four sisters, Viola Bennett Garrett, Ruth Byassee Bennett, Ila Maxine Miller and Marcie Ercell DeBaun; and one half-sister, Marie Bennett.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 22, 2023, beginning at 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at 2 p.m. at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie, with Bro. Martin Lucas officiating.

Interment will follow in Dogwood Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Mark Nathan Miller, James Derek Miller, Parker Miller, Mason Miller, Hayes Miller and Jason Aycock.