Betty Jane Miller

February 08, 1921 - January 18, 2016

Obituary For Betty Jane Miller

Betty Jane Miller passed away peacefully at her home in Raleigh, NC on January 18, 2016. Betty lived in her home in Raleigh for over 50 years. She was a loving and loyal friend, neighbor, wife, mother, grand, great, and great great grandmother who dedicated her life to the joy and well-being of her family. Betty was the epitome of a generation that knew the hardships of life but always overcame them with strength and dignity.

Betty was born on February 8, 1921 and raised in Hallstead, PA. She grew up an orphan after losing her parents at a very early age. Raised by relatives, life was not easy as a child but she persevered, finished high school in the top of her class, and fell in love.

She met and married her husband James S. Miller and started a family. Her first child, James (Jimmy), gave her the sense of family she had lost so early in her life. Not long after his birth, her husband would leave to serve his country. Betty raised her son while working in a mattress factory while her husband was away at war for over eighteen months.

Upon his return from war, Betty was blessed with two more children. Marian (Mimi) and Richard (Rick) completed the family that she would spend the rest of her life raising and loving. They moved to Raleigh, NC in 1965 where they settled and remained. Betty and James were married for over fifty years. They worked together as a team to make sure their children would have the best they could offer.

Betty’s strength would be tested again as she lost her first son and husband to cancer within three months of each other. She would continue to live and take care of herself in her family home for the next twenty years. Those that knew her were amazed by her ability to live independently well into her 90s.

She is loved and survived by her two children Marian and Richard Miller along with a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and wonderful friends and neighbors. In the south we add family when we find exceptional people that we love. Betty considered her neighbors, Rachel and Phil Watkins as her special family.

Betty lived a simple but full life. She was not a person of extravagance and desired a simple graveside service upon her passing. In honor of her wishes, her family will hold a grave side celebration of her life at Pine Forest Cemetery on April 8, 2016 at 11:00 AM.

Betty loved flowers so in her honor please refrain from sending flowers until we all meet to celebrate her life in April. Flowers may be sent for delivery on April 7th to Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, 770 Stadium Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27588 care of Betty Miller.

Services

TBD

Cemetery

Pine Forest Memorial Gardens 770 Stadium Drive Wake Forest, NC 27587 Get Directions »

8 Apr

Graveside Service

11:00 AM

Pine Forest Memorial Gardens 770 Stadium Drive Wake Forest, NC 27587 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Stephanie Miller Doerre

Grandma Betty had a kind heart. Over the years,we lost touch,especially after Jim,my father died so early in his life. I am so glad to hear that Betty lived her life into her 90's. I have been married now for twenty years,with two beautiful daughters,now 10 and 13. May she rest in peace now. I am sending my love and condolences for the rest of the family during this difficult time. Stephanie Doerre (Miller)
September 01, 2020

Laurin Watkins Finnison

Mrs. Miller was a very sweet and beautiful lady. She gave me comfort many times. A great friend who will me missed. Rest in peace
September 01, 2020

margie hollowell

Aunt Betty had a bridal shower for me years ago. She bought a recipe box and asked everyone invited to bring a recipe card or cards with their favorite recipes to fill the box. It was such a wonderful idea, so thoughtful. I still have that box of recipes, handwritten by her, my Mom, my Grandma Garrett, aunts, cousins and friends. It is priceless!! She was a very sweet, kind, caring person and a wonderful aunt and will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to my cousins Mimi and Rick and their families and love to you all, your cousin Margie:pray::pray::pray:
September 01, 2020

Cathy Moniot

Mimi, what a loving tribute. Your mom was obviously an extraordinary, loving woman. Thinking of you at this sad time. Cathy Bailey Moniot
September 01, 2020

Danielle Kelly

1 file added to the tribute wall
September 01, 2020

Danielle Kelly

I wish i could've gone to see you one last time . I'm just happy i was atleast able to get to know you before you passed . I love you so much Great grandma Betty , we'll meet again someday . :heart:
September 01, 2020

Rick Miller

Hi Ed, Thanks for the thoughts. There are so many memories between our families. Funny you mention my mom was always like a second mom to you. That is what I always said about your mom. Hope you are well. We should hook up soon. Rick
September 01, 2020

Ed Miller

Aunt Betty was like a 2nd mom when I was growing up. We all started as babies in NY and both families moved to Minnesota when I was 3. Approx. 8 years later we all relocated to Raleigh via IBM. Lots of family gatherings and overnights. Aunt Betty was an Awesome cook and somehow put up with our drama... Ricky, Mimi, Margie, Pam and Eddie. We all enjoyed the backyard picnics and special Christmas Eve gatherings every year. She was always so sweet to me and I always felt special around her. She will be truly missed and my memories of her and family will last forever. Comforting to know she is hanging out with my Uncle Jim, Grandpa,cousin Jmmy, and my mother.. In my prayers and thinking of you cousin Mimi and Rick. Ed (Eddie) Miller