Mrs. Jean C. (Wells) Miller, 93, of Garfield Heights, Ohio passed away in her sleep, Friday July 3, 2026 at home.
Mrs. Miller was born November 4th, 1932 in Preble, NY. She married Laverne “Vern” Howard Miller, July 15, 1950, in East Syracuse, NY.
Later, in 1950 (WWII Pvt Laverne Miller was stationed in Ft Dix, NJ first , then Germany. She resided in an apartment above his mom’s house until he was honorable discharged. Then they resided at 406 E. Heman St., E. Syracuse, NY, a home that Vern and his father, Howard Miller built. They also had a summer home on DeRuyter Lake.
Mrs. Miller stood 4’11” in stature, her work ethics; she never stopped. She had a contagious laugh. Mrs Miller was involved with her children; Multiple Church functions, Girl Scouts of America Leader, Bluebirds, Ballet, tap dancing, building snow forts, and playing cowboys and Indians, army men, cops and robbers, swimming lessons, picnics, camping, and elegant gatherings. She made her wedding dress and her children’s and grandchildren’s clothes by hand.
A woman of many skills; she enjoyed babysitting all her grandchildren and always showed up with a gift she made for them (by hand); clothing, toys, books, etc. and attending their sport events and giving them praise. Her style of cooking and baking, brought the family to the table, never late. She is a Blessed Woman, Mother and Friend. Her mother-In-Law, and she held a close knit bond, as mother and daughter. She was’s excellent at crocheting, painting, sewing, dress making, cooking and a Mrs-fix-it herself, gardening; she could grow anything with her green thumb. She loved her immediate family most. She enjoyed traveling long distances by herself and to Eastwood, Fulton/Sterling and Massachusetts every weekend to see her children and grandchildren. She also had the greatest love for animals especially cats and dogs. She took in stray cats and gave them a luxury lifestyle. Well into her 90s she took the city bus daily to shop for fresh food, do errands or visit a park or special event in town. She always attended church.
She taught her (Miller) nieces and nephews how to drive. She was their “go to person” for advice. “Jeannie was the sweetest, kindest person you ever met.”
She worked at Bristol Myers Squibb (until 1956), GM Edwards, Tallman’s Bakery and Syracuse University. She also generously gave her time through volunteer service(s) along with volunteering at multiple animal shelters for many years.
She went back to school to further her education at 52 year’s of age, and received her degree.
Her husband said (in 2007) “You can’t have four children by someone, and not love them, but don’t tell anyone.”
In 2014 her cousin-in-law was quoted as saying, “I never saw two people who loved each other more than Jeannie and Vernie.”
In 1960s She and her husband Vern, were victims of someone driving through a stop sign, causing Jean to be laid in a hospital bed in their living room close to a year with two broken arms, two broken legs, and all her ribs broken. He had over 80 stitches on his head. Both survived, and healed. She was also a cancer survivor of over 10 years.
She was predeceased by her her granddaughter Salsabeel Al-Roumi Miller her son-in-law William F Hammond and her huge beloved four legged stray companion “Snowball”.
She is survived by her:
Children:
Arleen ( William F Hammond) Hammond, Marleen “Lolly” (Joseph) Touranjoe, Donna Miller and Laverne “Vern” (Jeannie) Miller;
Grandchildren:
Jeremy (Amy)Touranjoe, Holly (Jason Cliff) Hammond, Heather Moody, Salsabeel Al-Roumi Miller and Adam (Melissa Hall) Miller; Step Grandchildren; Justin Grimes and Kristen Grimes;
Great Grandchildren:
Derek (Chelsey) Moody Jr., Kurstin (Steven) Kingsley, Maddison Moody, Lainey Moody, Austin (Desi) Thompson, Joseph Touranjoe, Luke Touranjoe and Rowan Miller; Step Great Grandchild; Blake Eager;
Great-Great Grandchildren:
Hunter Moody, Everett Moody, Aubri Stanskey, Jaidynn Kingsley, Destini Kingsley, Joey Kingsley, Josey Wilson, Luka Thompson and Lennon Thompson;
Cousin-in-law Mary Alice Scheel; several nieces, nephews and many friends.
Per her wishes the funeral will be private at the discretion of her immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation for Jean C Miller, please donate to the SPCA or animal shelter of your choice in her honor and love for animals or plant a tree or flowers for her love of nature.