Imo Jean Miller

November 29, 1923 - September 13, 2018

Imo Jean Joines Miller, affectionately known as Mama Miller, passed away at her home on September 13, 2018. She spent her last days the same way she spent her life, surrounded by loving friends and family. She was born November 29, 1923 to Cora Long Joines and John Joines. Her husband, Thomas Edgar Miller, whom she married in 1941, preceded her in death in 2010. Shortly after her marriage, they moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where they lived until the end of WWII. Mama Miller, like many women during that time, was involved in the war effort as she worked in an aircraft factory (a Rosie the Riveter), tended a victory garden, did a short stint as a Belle Cab taxi driver, and took care of her family while her husband was stationed in Japan. In 1947, Mama and Dad Miller moved their family to Laurel Springs to Dad Miller’s ancestral home where she lived for 71 years. Throughout her life, she held a variety of other jobs including sewing in a factory and waitressing at Bluff Coffee Shop and High Meadows Inn. Mama and Dad Miller opened Miller’s Camping in 1967 which has continuously operated for 50 years. In retirement she earned an Associate’s Degree in Horticulture which is a testament to her love of plants and her pursuit of lifelong learning. Mama Miller was also preceded in death by nine siblings; John A Holbrook, Ina Holbrook Cleary, Britt Holbrook, Opal Holbrook Stoker, Ila “Ikey” Holbrook Davis, Denver Holbrook, Sallie Joines Hutchison, Clyde Joines Davis, and Hattie Joines Edwards. She is survived by six children; Tom Miller and wife Connie of Laurel Springs, Mike Miller and wife Suzan of Hattieville, Arkansas, Ken Miller and wife Nancy of Wilkesboro, Brenda Miller and husband Van Whitaker of Dobson, Kaye Miller and husband Bill Womble of Glendale Springs and John Miller and wife Phyllis of Sparta. Thirteen grandchildren; Greg Miller, Kim Miller Willet, Michelle Miller Todd, Cindy Miller Butler, Luke Miller, Emily Miller, Adam Miller, Corinne Miller Smith, Erin Bryson Glover, Kelly Miller Wise, Jan Rose Ayers, Cody Miller and Katlyn Miller. Mama Miller was also blessed with 22 great grandchildren and 9 great, great grandchildren. The family will hold a celebration of life on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Miller’s Camping in Laurel Springs beginning at 2:00 pm. Friends and family are invited to come and celebrate a life well lived. We are grateful for every moment that we spent with her during her 94 years. Her legacy of lifelong learning, storytelling, woodworking, basket weaving, painting and many other varied projects continues to inspire us. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Laurel Fork Presbyterian Church or Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The family wishes to thank our wonderful caregivers Diane Woodward, Celia Cabrera, Christa Causby, Dr. Mary Digel, and Dr. Rob Klingensmith. Grandview Memorial Funeral Home is proudly serving the Miller family and if you wish, online condolences may be submitted to the family at www.grandviewfuneralhome.com