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Carlene Miller Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Carlene Miller
Sponsored by Beth Kaufmann, THS Class of 1980.
Jacquelyn Jacobshagen
February 3, 2023
I have been thinking about Ms. Miller recently. I credit her for much of my good grammar and writing ability. I read not long ago that in text messages or on social media, it is not necessary to space two spaces after a period, that this is only for typing. However, whenever I begin to type a sentence without proper punctuation or grammar, my thoughts fly to our beloved teacher and friend, and I correct myself. Much love.
Jackey Jacobshagen
February 2, 2021
Ms. Miller was not only an excellent teacher, she was always kind and supportive. And I don't remember her ever scolding anyone. She was firm and direct if necessary, but it seems she always looked at her students as the people they were, not annoyances. It still brings tears to my eyes remembering her, and reading the lovely tributes here, by both students and faculty friends. You were one of the best, Miss Miller. The best of people. I still miss you.
November 2, 2013
Ms. Miller was one of my favorite teachers at THS! I always remember her love for her dog, Blue, and her great sense of humor! I'm so sorry to know that she's gone, but she'll live in my soul forever.
Jessi Bruno Taylor
August 15, 2009
Ms. Miller was always an inspiration to me. I was never the greatest at writing, but after her class, I felt that I was capable of writing anything. She inspired me to go outside my comfort zone and write extrordinary papers and inspirational poetry. If it were't for her I would have never thought I was capable.
She was one of my inspirations when I chose teaching as a career. I can only hope to be half the teacher she was, and even then I will be great! Ms. Miller was phenominal and she made each student feel valued.
I only wish my children could have ahd the same privledge as I in having her as a teacher.
THS Class of 1989.
Deborah Rader
August 10, 2009
Laughter was common in her classroom: produced by one of her stories or by someone's outlandish interpretation of Tennyson.
At a time when I was learning "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?" I could escape from the angst of youth into her world of creativity and "journey of letters."
I'd like for her surviving family to know that for every posting here, there are hundreds of others who will feel loss and sadness at her passing.
Christina Antoniou Sardelis
July 14, 2009
Miss Miller was one of the most exceptional educators I ever had the privilege to encounter. Her influence carried far beyond her class room. For many years after graduation she was a positive energy in my life. I remember calling her on many occasions to discuss what was happening in my life and catch up on what was happening with hers. At the end of our conversations she inevitably would recommend a book for reading which would provide needed insight to what I was going through at that particular time. She had an amazing way of knowing what would provide clarity to life’s challenges. Her recommendations will be missed.
I know my ability to express myself, is largely due to her encouraging criticism. She never allowed us to do just what was expected she always wanted more. I remember after my first years of college going back to visit her, recognizing that so much of what she was exposing us to we did not grasp until much later in our lives. When I asked her why she taught high school instead of college, where her wisdom might be more appreciated, she simply said, ”Someone has to plant the seeds in order for there to be trees of knowledge. Some students will grow up with a head full of seeds and others will nurture the seeds and develop into amazing trees.” That conversation along with many others has stayed with me. I am blessed to have known her.
Cathy Burke Hines
March 29, 2009
I was in Miss Miller's writing class right after I moved to Florida, and her kindness helped me adjust during what was a very difficult time. I remember her most fondly and affectionately.
Lisa Perry Topolinski
March 29, 2009
Ms. Miller's passion for literature was unmatched. As one of her students in the mid 70's, I am forever indedted to her for instilling that passion in me. God speed Ms. Miller. You are forever in our hearts.
March 28, 2009
March 28, 2009
Betty Arnold
March 27, 2009
I taught English in the classroom just to the west of Carlene's classroom at the end of the earth (the southernmost row of classrooms in the old Riverview annex). I passed by her classroom several times every day for many years and always marveled at her ability to fascinate her students. She would be leaning forward on her stool spinning tales about some author and facing her students who were always leaning forward in their seats hanging on her every word. You could always tell Carlene's kids from the rest because they carried around those dreaded note cards! She turned me on to Walt Whitman! I am forever grateful for that! I am forever grateful to have known her.
Mary Hutt
March 27, 2009
I remember Miss Miller from 9th grade English. She had taught my sister years before and tried not to compare me. She soon found out that there was no way to compare us. She vowed that she would teach me the difference between nouns, vowels, etc. In my freshman yearbook, she wrote "you write beautifully, but still don't know a noun from a vowel" I wound up with a good grade from her and a great role model! i have thought of her often over the years! God bless you Miss Miller! Mary Elmore Hutt, Class of 80
Anita Larsen
March 25, 2009
My high school years at THS were life shaping and sometimes fun but the most important thing I took away from those four years was my memories of Miss Miller. She always had faith and confidence in my abilities as a student and most importantly in me as a person. I have thought of her so often and I am heartbroken that I never told her what an impact she made in my life. God bless you Miss Miller. You will never be forgotten by me! Anita Rice Larsen THS Class of 1984
P.J. (Pat) Miller
February 23, 2009
I was one of Miss Miller's students early in her teaching career (THS class of 1963) and the guidance, discipline and skills she imparted have served me well in the intervening years. What a legacy! What a woman! What an educator! God speed, Miss Miller. With enduring gratitude, I remain a great fan!
Scott McCallum
February 21, 2009
A few weeks ago, I bought a pack of index cards. Since 11th grade Engish with Ms. Miller, I've haven't looked at index cards without thinking of her fondly. I also have a stool in my office at work which is a humorous reminder of her many lessons taught from a stool in front of the class. Rainy days - her favorite - will not be the same without Ms. Miller. Peace be with Ms. Miller. Thanks for the memories.
Sheree Tovey
February 18, 2009
Miss Miller was an incredibly inspirational teacher and woman. I am very sorry to hear of her passing, but will never forget working hard to live-up to her expectations. I hope I am as influential to my students as she was to me. God bless you, Miss Miller.
Mariel Sisson
February 18, 2009
Carlene and I began teaching English at the same time at Titusville High but she far out-shined me, and taught longer; long enough to inspire our teenagers, Doug and Karen, and prepare them for college. Many, many, of her former students returned from college, sought out "Miss Miller" and thanked her for their preparation, especially creating Term Papers! Most were able to skip freshman English. I agree we must provide some kind of memorial for this exceptional woman. Let's get it done by Reunion - "Cracker Day" weekend this fall.
Sandra (Treadway) Carr
February 18, 2009
Miss Miller was my 11th grade English teacher; like my classmates Christy Gonos and Susan Yarbrough, Miss Miller had a tremendous impact on my life. Today (43 years later), I find that I continue to have her to thank for helping me develop my writing and literary skills. I've been a lawyer for 26 years and I spend 70% of my time drafting documents that must be well-written, concise and understandable. I take the "Official SAT Question of the Day" every day along with my son who is currently applying to colleges, and I am pleasantly surprised that I am able to select the correct answer for English-based questions at least 99% of the time. I am also a voracious reader of mysteries. When I learned through her obituary that Miss Miller had published four mysteries, I immediately ordered them and am enjoying them right now. They make me smile in memory of her. When my time comes, I would like to leave my mystery collection to the THS media center, which I sincerely hope will be renamed after Miss Miller.
Karen Kay Sisson
February 17, 2009
As an adult, I never could quite get used to calling Miss Miller "Carlene". It seemed way too informal and disrespectful in a way, for a woman who commanded SUCH respect. I'm happy to say, that as an adult, I sort of made the transition from "awestruck student" to "friend". I think I did call her Carlene a few times, but she always kept having to remind me to do away with the "Miss Miller" stuff. I will never forget her. She is the single most important teacher I ever had. She never stopped being interested in her students, even years after we left high school. She never had children of her own, but it has always been said that Carlene had THOUSANDS of children, and most of us returned to her years later to thank her for her wisdom, toughness, kindness and support. God broke the mold after he made Carlene...there will never be another like her. I wish her wisdom and teaching style could have been bottled and given to every teacher in the world. We are all better for having known her. I will miss her and remember her for the rest of my life.
Alexa (Husson) Yates
February 17, 2009
Carlene Miller - the most incredible woman that ever lived. She was my rock at a very young age and I never forgot her. I lived my life by her code and loved her infinitely. If the world had more teachers like her, it would be an incredible place. I will never forget you CAM and will forever spread your infectious passion for creativity and life. You will forever be in my heart and soul of souls. Rest in peace dear woman and feel no more pain. You were loved by many and that will never change. You certainly left a legacy that few could challenge. Thank you for everything.
Stacy (Putman) Brooks, c/o 1990
February 17, 2009
I am sure that I am among many who remember Miss Miller as their most favorite teacher. She had a way of making her students feel that they were important and special and inspired us all to become great writers, even if that wasn't our strong suit! I have never heard a person read poetry as beautifully or moving as Miss Miller did. She will be greatly missed.
Nancy Wingertsahn Hoffman
February 17, 2009
Carlene was one of those truly exceptional individuals. While attending THS, I took every class she taught and then when they ran out I was her student aid. Her influence on my life was immeasurable, not only did she encourage a love of reading and literature, but also opened my mind to respect many different ideals. Our paths continued to cross through the years and I can only hope that through our many conversations she realized how special she was. I will always remember and cherish the memory of “Miss Miller”.
Teresa (Richardson)Thompson
February 16, 2009
I have never worked so hard nor been so stretched as a learner as I was in Miss Miller's classes. She is one reason I chose to become a teacher and to drive my students as hard as she did those of us fortunate enough to have been in her classes. What a wonderful person and role model to have known.THS was lucky to have her.
Jim Gonos
February 12, 2009
Miss Miller was already a legend in my family before I had her for Creative Writing during my senior year at THS. My sister had been in her classes 6 years earlier and experienced the magic that was Miss Miller's classroom. She was so special in her ability to make a student feel good about what they had written and also provided wise advise on how and what to improve. Going to her class was often the highlight of the day. She will be missed by so many, past present and future.
Cindy Carothers
February 10, 2009
Not only an inspiring teacher, but a great friend. She reached out to people. Carlene will be dearly missed by all.
Ginger Hilary
February 10, 2009
Carlene was a wonderful friend to so many. I loved her laugh, her warm, engaging smile. She made even the roughest situation seem smooth. She comforted the anxious and lifted the spirits of those who felt blue. She was smart. Very smart. And kind, too. My fondest memories of Carlene were Christmas mornings in the late nineties. After Dad passed away, she, my Stepmom, and I would be like family, exchanging gifts and enjoying Christmas morning breakfast together. She and my Stepmom would play Upwards while I browsed through picture books. It warmed my heart to know Carlene was fond of large dogs. Me, too! When I had a memorial service for my Collie, she came all the way across the state to be here with me for my dog's memorial service. That was so special to me. I have a seahorse coaster she gave me, and a coffee candy tin. I place my morning coffee on the seahorse coaster every day, and store paper clips in the coffee tin on my desk at school. Of course I have a signed copy of her novel on my book shelf, too. Whenever I miss her presence, I can hear her melodious laughter in my heart, so she will stay with me forever.
David Wagner '84
February 9, 2009
To a courageous woman and inspiring teacher. I know that you lived your life 'a lion of courage,' and something precious to the earth'. Thank you for making a difference and your gift to us. God Bless you.
--------
When Death Comes
by Mary Oliver
When death comes
like the hungry bear in autumn;
when death comes and takes all the bright coins from his purse
to buy me, and snaps the purse shut;
when death comes
like the measle-pox
when death comes
like an iceberg between the shoulder blades,
I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering:
what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?
And therefore I look upon everything
as a brotherhood and a sisterhood,
and I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility,
and I think of each life as a flower, as common
as a field daisy, and as singular,
and each name a comfortable music in the mouth,
tending, as all music does, toward silence,
and each body a lion of courage, and something
precious to the earth.
When it's over, I want to say all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
When it's over, I don't want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument.
I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.
/
/
Kathy Chumley
February 9, 2009
Carlene, you will be missed. I am honored to have been your colleague.
Linda Swift
February 9, 2009
A dear friend will be missed.
Beth Siford
February 9, 2009
Miss Miller! What a wonderful inspiring teacher. Thank you for being such a great role model for so many students. God Bless. Beth Siford THS Class of 75'
Susan Yarbrough Campbell
February 9, 2009
Miss Miller was the standard by which I judged all English teachers; none came close. She gave tough assignments, pushed us to be better, and did it with a smile. Thank you. A student who followed in your English teaching footsteps but could never catch up...
Julie (Davis) Hallum
February 8, 2009
I am one of the thousands of enlightened students who were privileged to have Miss Miller as a teacher. She was not only an outstanding teacher, but a truly inspiring mentor as well. I am so thankful for the visit I had with her back in December. Though her physical appearance had changed somewhat since the last time I saw her, her mind was just as sharp as ever and we both enjoyed chatting. A simple ‘thank you’ cannot express my gratitude for her literary advice and willingness to share her vast knowledge. She was a truly great lady and I will miss her.
Sara Ann Conkling
February 8, 2009
I have sent this letter to Dr. Lori Spinner, the current principal at Titusville High School. If you agree we need a permanent memorial at THS for Miss Miller, please send Dr. Spinner an email. Her email address is on the THS website.
Here's the letter:
Dear Dr. Spinner,
It was a pleasure meeting you and your husband during the recent election season. I appreciate very much all your hard work and positive influence at my alma mater.
I would like to spearhead an effort to make a permanent memorial for Carlene Miller at Titsuville High School. I am thinking specifically of requesting that the media center at THS be named after her. Those of us who were fortunate enough to be her students over many decades owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude for the positive influence she had on our lives, and particularly, for her special gift of inspiring each and every student that passed through her door to reach her or his full potential.
In a school full of fine teachers in the mid-1970's, Miss Miller stood out as the toughest, most demanding, most no-nonsense, most respected teacher at THS. She was also the most generous in giving of herself so that her students would have extraordinarily well-developed writing skills as they headed to college and beyond. Despite her formidable reputation, students were clamoring to get into her classes. This was because she gave each person who came to her classroom the same respect she demanded. She never asked her students to conform their ideas, insisting only that they do their very best to communicate ideas that would be not only gramatically correct, but also beautiful and persuasive. In short, she gave each student the power of the written word - a power they could use for constructive change for the rest of their lives. In this way, she changed the world each day she lived and taught in it.
Miss Miller was not a warm and fuzzy person. But because she was impeccably trustworthy and did not gossip, students brought her their most pressing and severe problems. In a very quiet way, she saved many students from despair and worse.
Likewise, Miss Miller was very economical with praise. But one positive word scribbled on a paper from her was enough to make your day, because you knew she did not waste those pen strokes. In her American Literature class, she taught research skills by assigning the most comprehensive paper many of us would ever write. For months we camped in libraries, read more than we ever imagined we would, and committed to notes what would ultimately become a very long paper. The system she taught for doing this stayed with all of us, giving us a big advantage as we headed to college. There was simply no college paper that would be assigned to us that held a candle to the one we had to do for Miss Miller at THS. She knew that, and also knew that our grumbles would turn to appreciation soon enough.
I was one of very few who had the opportunity to take two semesters of writing class with Miss Miller. The second semester was an independent study, and as she agreed to do it, she promised, "you will never work harder on anything in your high school career." She kept her promise, and then some. I never worked harder in any class, ever. And I emerged not only more confident in my own writing, but also able to help others improve theirs. Decades later I found myself working with newspaper journalists, helping them turn phrases more elegantly and add color to their work. I had a magnificent example in Miss Miller of how to approach people about their own creative product in a positive way. She gave me that, too.
Miss Miller is one of those people who should live forever in memory. Her impact on her students was uniquely profound. Please help me do something substantial and tangible to keep her legacy alive at Titusville High School
Kind regards,
Sara Ann Conkling
Class of 1978
Pat Marovich
February 8, 2009
Miss Miller will be remembered by many as a cheerful, encouraging and dedicated teacher. She taught us all valuable life lessons, as well as sound writing skills. She had a very purposeful life. She was also a wonderful neighbor and friend.
The Marovich's
Wanda Wood
February 8, 2009
Miss Miller was my high school English teacher in 1974. I know that her career as a teacher touched many lives and I truly appreciate all that she taught me about writing.
Jennifer Dick Thomas
February 8, 2009
Carlene was one of the first people who befriended me when I moved to Brevard County and began teaching at Titusville High. We met through a mutual friend, and I instantly loved her. She always had wonderful stories to tell, and if ever she was bored with my stories, I never knew it. A good listener, warm, and compassionate, Carlene always brought a smile to my face. I'll miss our emails, her movie suggestions, and most of all, hearing her buoyant laugh.
Christy Gonos
February 8, 2009
Thank you to a wonderful and inspiring teacher from a grateful student.
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