Vickie J. Miller

1950 - 2023

INDIANOLA - Vickie J. Miller, 73, of Indianola passed away at 2:25 p.m. Eastern time Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, at Morrison Woods Health Campus, Muncie, Ind.

Vickie was born July 31, 1950, in Danville to William C. and Marilyn Hauls Britt. She married C. Douglas Miller on Dec. 2, 1973, in Danville. He survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Elizabeth Ann (David) Hawk of Muncie, Ind., and Amy Katherine (Matt) Cornell of Bentonville, Ark.; three brothers, Kenneth (Kathie) Britt of Terre Haute, Ind., Dan (Kim) Britt of New York and Jim (Linda) Britt of Noblesville, Ind.; and four grandchildren Tyler Hawk, Jackson Hawk, Alice Hawk and Savannah Cornell.

Vickie Miller at heart was an elementary school teacher who had a love for her students, a commitment to community development and a good dose of common sense. She began her career in both public and private schools, teaching for District 118 at the Lynch School and at the Rock Christian Academy. Early on, she served as the community contact for longtime family friend and NASA astronaut Joe Tanner.

Vickie was an active community leader who served in local clubs and church groups. But foremost, she was a trustee for Danville Area Community College for 23 years and served as DACC board chair for over 12 years. During her tenure as board chair, the college added every year a new program for students ranging from wind-turbine technology and metallurgy to culinary arts. Some of the programs like NIMS certification were cutting edge and the first in the state at the community college level. She and her husband, Doug, have provided their own assistance by establishing an endowed chair in math and science for faculty recruitment and retention.

During that time, Vickie also was an active member of the Association of Community College Trustees and a leading member of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association. Under her leadership, DACC pursued and gained admission to the nationwide Achieving the Dream student success and completion initiative. She was a determined advocate and lobbyist on behalf of the community-college mission in Springfield who regularly met with legislators to seek funding for DACC. Among the many legislators she hosted were then-state Sen. Barack Obama and Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon.

In 2013, Vickie was recognized by ACCT as the top community-college trustee in the nine-state region and given national recognition in their meeting in Seattle. In 2014, she received a certificate of merit from the ICCTA for her many contributions. In 2015, she and Doug received the first county agribusiness award. Finally, in 2017, she and Lou Mervis were conferred the first honorary degrees from DACC.

Vickie and Doug opened their home and sesquicentennial farm and ag museum for various large groups, including fundraising for the Danville Symphony Orchestra and Danville Public Library foundations, the Vermilion County Museum and the Jamaica/Sidell Community Scholarship at DACC. They also hosted foreign students and farm groups as well as District 118 elementary students. As an active member of Leadership Danville, the Miller Farm was a regular stop on the tour.

In 2004, the Green Meadows Girl Scout Council recognized Vickie for her community service with their Woman of Distinction Award. In 2005, Prairie Farmer magazine recognized her husband and her with their Master Farmer award.

Vickie was also active in Fairmount Woman's Club and Festival of Trees steering committee for more than 10 years, chairing the Teddy Bear Breakfast for many of those years.  She was also a member of P.E.O. Chapter KE.

Vickie was a member of First Baptist Church in Covington, Ind. She loved studying the Bible and belonged to many groups here and in Florida. She helped teach hospitality in a series, Apples of Gold, hosted by older ladies for newlyweds in the church. She and Doug also hosted multiple youth functions at the farm both for their church and Campus Crusade for Christ at the University of Illinois.

The last 11 years of her life, Vickie was plagued with multiple strokes and breast cancer. She will most be remembered for her bravery, determination and refusal to complain or be bitter about her plight. By God's grace, life was always an adventure to her.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at Catlin Church of Christ, 715 W. Vermilion St., Catlin, with Pastor Joe Humrichous and Pastor Andy Harkleroad officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, at Catlin Church of Christ.

Memorials may be made to Danville Area Community College, First Baptist Church of Covington, Ind., or the Woodlawn Cemetery Association.

Robison Chapel, 103 Douglas St., Catlin, is handling arrangements. Condolences may be offered at robisonchapel.com.