Joy Miller

1948 - 2024

Joy Miller, age 75, of Russellville passed away at her home on June 14, 2024, following complications from her battle with cancer. She was born August 24, 1948, to James and Vasca Westbrook.

She grew up the youngest of five children. Joy graduated in 1966 from Harmony Grove High School in Haskell, Arkansas. Her pursuit of a college degree ended when she met the young Arkansas Tech engineering student, Mike Miller. Mike, completely smitten, soon proposed, and the couple married on Augst 29, 1969. A year later, their daughter Ashley was born and soon after, their son Anthony arrived.

Joy dove into her role as the mom of a growing household with both feet by being the family glue as Mike graduated and went on to work for, and eventually own, Van Horn Construction.

As the children got older, Joy stayed involved in the community. She was a very active member of First Baptist Church, participating in the choir, playing handbells, Precepts Ministries Bible studies, participating in several international mission trips, and directing lots and lots of weddings. Joy also enjoyed volunteering her time serving at the River Valley Christian Clinic.

Joy and Mike loved to travel, taking many trips to various parts of the US, Canada and Europe. Mike and Joy made quick friends wherever they went leaving a trail of friends all over the country. Being "Nana" to her grandchildren was one of Joy's greatest joys and loved to share time with her family in Russellville, Navarre Beach, Branson, or wherever travels took them. Although they both loved to travel, Joy and Mike's favorite place to be, was with each other.

Joy was proceeded in death by her parents; her sister, Dixie Smith; and her grandson, James Davis.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Mike Miller; her daughter, Ashley Miller Davis (Carl) of Russellville; her son, Anthony Miller (Kimberly) of Montgomery, Alabama; six grandchildren, Carson, Cameron, Kendall, Ellie, Kennedy and Riley; and siblings, Jayme Story (Russ), Nell Cyman (Norm), and JG Westbrook.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Russellville, with Pastors Stephen Davis and Greg Sykes officiating. Burial will be private in Rest Haven Memorial Park under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CARTI Foundation, P.O. Box 55011, Little Rock, AR 72215, or The River Valley Christian Clinic, 3001 E. H St., Russellville, AR 72802.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.