Mrs. Johnnie B. Miller

MILLER, Mrs. Johnnie B. - Age 83, passed away Sunday, August 25, 2019 at Hurley Medical Center. Public Viewing will be Thursday, August 29, 2019 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., from 12:00 PM-8:00 PM, with family present to receive friends from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM. Johnnie B. outdid death and now she lives eternal. Mrs. Johnnie Birdinia Ward Miller, was born January 24, 1936 to John and Lettie M. Ward in Atlanta, GA. She was the oldest of five siblings (preceded in death by brother ”JD”). As she grew in mind and body, she also developed a love for God. She was baptized at Oakwood College where she began her matriculation. Two years prior to attending Oakwood College, Johnnie had been pen-pals with someone six years her senior, named Francis (Frank) Miller. Finally, they would meet at Oakwood college and would later be married in New York on December 24, 1961. After the honeymoon some three years later came their first born, Wayne Anthony, who would always keep Johnnie ‘B’ on her toes with the most thought-provoking questions, like “where do babies come from?”. Thirteen months later, she delivered another son, John Ward. John, unlike his big brother was a quiet child only getting into trouble when Wayne and he would come up with some strange schemes. These sons, that her beloved husband affectionately called “Cain and Able”, would be the joy of her life. The question … which one was Cain? After twelve years of chasing the “boys” around and keeping them at bay, Johnnie completed her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan. She was a retired City of Flint Educator. The best story from her teaching days is “One day in class one of the students had a flatulence problem and it was bad, at the end of the class the student went to Johnnie and said “those are my farts Mrs. Miller and they smell like eggs”. She roared laughing and could not wait to tell Frank and the boys. Johnnie B. was a faithful member of Fairhaven Seventh Day Adventist Church where she worked tirelessly wearing many different hats. She was active with many different organizations outside of church as well. Her many activities in and out of the church included serving on the Deaconess Board the Beautification Committee the Music Ministry Hospitality Committee The Dorcas Society (A group that provides clothes to the poor) Member of Eastern Region Federated King’s Daughters January Birthday Club She loved to work with the youth as she was an Enormous Inspiration for the Sabbath School youth and AYS, Inc. children. Johnnie B. was affectionately known as “Aunt Johnnie” to her nephews, nieces and their friends. She loved her nephews and nieces with a fierce kind of love. She was stern but always made them feel loved. Recently, a story came up about Christmas presents. Aunt Johnnie’s nephews and nieces would save her Christmas “box” (all presents were mailed in one big box) to open last because they KNEW everyone would have something special inside. She enjoyed traveling, quilting, playing the piano. But best of all, Johnnie loved to shop … antique sales, estates sales, garage sales and most of all at her “places of business” i.e The Salvation Army, The Family Store and The Goodwill. She would love to brag on treasures she would find on her many excursions like paying pennies for something that was worth hundreds even thousands of dollars. Items may have a little scratch or a chip but she would fix it to look brand new and present gift to a son or daughter-in-law or a niece or nephew, or a grandchild. And there you have it, her love for her family. Aunt Johnnie always wanted everyone to have “something” nice, rather you knew it was a Lalique Champs-Elysees Vase or a Valentino Garavani Leather Shoulder Bag (purse) or not... at least you had it. So one day, you might recognize it’s value. The only thing that surpassed Johnnie’s love for her family was her love for God. Johnnie “B” Ward Miller passed on Sunday August 25, 2019 at Hurley Hospital surrounded by her sons Wayne (Tara), John Miller and her “creatures”, grandchildren Taylor and Anthony Miller. Johnnie was preceded in death by husband Francis, parents John and Lettie M. Ward, brother John “JD” and sister Marva. Her influence continues through her sons, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, Brothers Andrew Ward of Milwaukee, WI and Tillman (Diane) of Atlanta, GA. She is also survived by brother-in-law William “Bill” (Dee) of Maryland, sister-in-law Vera Miller of Flint, MI, countless nephews, nieces, cousins and other relatives. “That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” John 3:15

Mrs. Johnnie B. Miller

January 24, 1936 - August 25, 2019