Joyce Adele Miller

Joyce Adele Miller, 85, of Lebanon, Ohio, slipped peacefully into eternity on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in the sunlit embrace of Mesa, Arizona.

To all who knew her, she was simply Joy—a name that captured the radiant light she carried into every room. Born on January 11, 1940, in Wheeling, West Virginia, she was the adored only child of George John and Fern Eloise Ferguson. Her Wheeling roots ran deep; she blossomed at Triadelphia High School before spreading her wings at Ohio University, where she earned a BFA in Fine Arts—and, far more precious, found the love of her life, Marshall Neil Miller. They married soon after her graduation, beginning a lifetime of shared dreams. Ever the seeker, Joy later earned a master’s degree in education from Xavier University, pouring her heart into every lesson she would one day teach.

Her career was a tapestry of creativity and care. She began as an art teacher at Chillicothe High School in Marshall’s hometown. Joy then shifted her career to interior design in Rochester, New York. Settling in Lebanon, Ohio, she brought color and wonder to young creative minds at Dunlevy Elementary as an art teacher, later guiding teenagers as a counselor at the Warren County Career Center. Joy extended her compassion through Children Services and took honor in her membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Every child, every family she touched felt seen, understood, and deeply loved.

Joy lived to explore the world’s beauty. Arizona held her heart in a special way, but she and Marshall roamed far beyond—crisscrossing the United States and wandering the cobblestone streets of Europe. Their faithful companion, Wyatt Barks a Bunch Buckaroo, always rode shotgun on epic cross-country journeys, ears flapping in the wind. Anchored by an unshakable faith in Jesus Christ, Joy loved fiercely, gave without measure, and left an ache of absence that time will never fully heal.

She is survived by the great loves of her life: her devoted husband, Marshall; her sons, Scott of Lebanon, Ohio, and Jeff of Fort Mill, South Carolina; her daughter-in-law Amy and the granddaughters who were her sunshine—Annalisa, Avamarie, and Alyssarose; her daughter-in-law Melissa Miller of Lebanon, Ohio, and the little ones who brought her endless delight, Kaelynn and Ainsley.

Waiting to welcome her home were her beloved parents; her sons, Craig and Brent Neil Miller of Lebanon, Ohio; and her daughter-in-law, Gina Marie Corrado Miller of Lebanon, Ohio.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Lebanon Community Methodist Church, 122 E. Silver Street, Lebanon, Ohio, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm in the church sanctuary. The celebration of her extraordinary life, led by Pastor Mathew Wright, will begin at 1:00pm. Following the service, light snacks will be served downstairs in Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Joy’s memory too:

Lebanon Community Methodist Church https://www.lebcmc.org/Give-Online

Lebanon Community Methodist Church 122 E. Silver Street Lebanon, Ohio 45036

513.932.4834

Samaritan’s Purse https://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Samaritan’s Purse PO Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607

828.262.1980

A Charity of your choice in Joy Millers name.