Phyllis Fillmore-Miller

Phyllis Fillmore-Miller
Lifelong Hope resident, Phyllis Fillmore-Miller received her angel wings on December 23rd. Her kindness and warmth will be missed greatly by her family, friends, and the community she loved. Phyllis was the daughter of Millard and Freda (Gransden) Maxwell.
In August of 1951 Phyllis married her childhood sweetheart, Dewitt O'Dell Fillmore at her beloved Hope United Methodist Church. At 17, she began her journey as Farmer's Wife and mother to the luckiest 7 children ever born.
It comes as no surprise to all who had the privilege to know her, that she was a master baker. Her kitchen, always a beehive of activity, lured many to stop in for a cup of coffee. But it will be the scent of her fresh bread baking and delicious cinnamon rolls that will never be forgotten, or replicated.
Ever the tender heart of her home, when Dewitt passed suddenly in 1976, she bravely found immeasurable strength and courage. The Farm continued to be a haven of love, joy, and hard work. The seasons of spring planting and harvest continued and she supported and celebrated her ever-growing family. Whether she was humbly cheering her children from the bleachers, or lending her beautiful singing voice to a solo in church, Mom's devotion to her family never wavered. Her true hobby was laundry! She proudly filled her outdoor clothes line often, and was rewarded with a nighttime proclamation from upstairs of, "Thanks for washing my sheets Mom!"
In 1987, a new chapter in life began when Mom married Melvin J. Miller. She opened her home, and her heart to not only Mel, but to his family as well. Mom and Mel had many years of happiness together, especially card games with Uncle Courtney and Aunt Marilyn. She loved the Miller family and they too will miss her tender love and care.
Mom loved Christmastime most of all. It is not surprising that she would enter her heavenly home during this joyous season. Each and every one of us have a special Christmas memory from the laughter filled celebrations at the Farm.
Phyllis was the treasured mother of Doug Fillmore (Michelle), Jan Holzinger (Dan), Pam Geiling (Kirk), Bill Fillmore (Kathy), Don Fillmore (Ann), Ron Fillmore (Danielle), and Michelle Brady (Greg). Her 16 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren (and counting), have been deeply blessed by her unwavering love and dedication to family. Many angels greeted her in heaven including Bill, Don, grandson Billy, and her siblings Tom, Ron, Curt, and Dorothy. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Marcia Maxwell and brother-in-law Tom Fillmore (Betty). She loved her many nieces and nephews and their families.
Later in life she was proud to work for the Midland County Friend of the Court and Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Her coworkers became her dear friends.
Our deepest, heartfelt gratitude to the Staff of Meridian Acres in Sanford. Your friendship and tender care will never be forgotten.
Funeral services for Phyllis will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street. Pastor Bill Cleland will officiate with burial to follow in New Hope Cemetery. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 4-8 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Hope United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.