DALLAS — Well-known and well-liked, a 76-year-old Dallas woman died in a house fire early Monday..

Velma Miller was known as the neighborhood "granny," but in a strange twist, her friends and family didn't help her when she needed it the most.

Neighbors said Miller had a full life. She lost her husband 20 years ago, but the comings and goings of her 10 children, 40 grandchildren and neighborhood kids meant her home was never empty.

Williah Agent is a neighbor who remembered Miller as a giving person. "Feed you if you needed it; if you didn't have anywhere to stay, stay there; cook you food; take care of everybody," Agent said.

Now neighbors wonder why Miller didn't call on them in her time of need. According to TXU, her power was turned off in January. They said Miller's account had received many extensions and payment plans over the years

But the company says shortly after cutting the power, an illegal meter was set up to restore electrical service in Miller's home.

Last Friday TXU pulled her meter. Oncor Electric Delivery spokeswoman Carol Peters said the home had electricity for two months without being connected to a provider.

When word spread that a candle used to light Miller's home had caused the early morning fire, neighbors couldn't believe it.

Neighbor Carolyn Shaw says "She was one of the sweetest ladies you'd ever want to meet, someone who'd lend a hand at any point in time," said Carolyn Shaw. "I know if there was something that was needed, there were children, children, children, and anybody is gonna contribute and give."

An investigation continues into who stole the electricity — and how it was done.

E-mail mjepson@wfaa.com