Josephine M. Miller, 91


Josephine M. Miller, 91, died July 2, 2010, at Bridgewater Nursing Care Center, Bridgewater, Va. A former resident of Spotsylvania for over 40 years, Jo was active in both communities as a leader in church and many nonprofit organizations. She will be remembered for her smile, positive attitude, and motivation to find good in difficult situations.

Born in Iowa, Jo was the daughter of Brethren missionaries and lived in India the first 15 years of her life. Her initial education was boarding school in the Himalayan Mountains and the experience of the various cultures of India. After completing high school in Franklin Grove, Ill., and graduating from Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind., she taught in Indiana and Virginia. Some time after she met the Spotsylvania County extension agent at an annual Brethren meeting, she became a farm wife/manager!

Preceded in death by husband, Willard Miller, and son, Jere, she is survived by son, Wayne (Jo Ann) of Locust Grove; daughters, Carolyn Chewning (Thomas) of Locust Grove and Sharyn Halpin (Bob) of King George; daughter-in-law, Dawn Miller of Spotsylvania; and sister, Wilma Knapp of Pittsburgh, Pa. Additional survivors include grandchildren, Dwayne Chewning (Tina), Ben Miller (Kristine), Stacy Meyers (Chris), Katie Kelly (Adam), Becca North (Andy), Kim Madison (Calvin Lee), Chip Blakely, and Elysa, Jordan, and Alex Miller. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of her life 2 p.m. July 10, 2010, at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, Bridgewater, Va., with the Rev. John Gordon and Pastor Jeffery Carr officiating and at 4 p.m. July 11, 2010, at Laurel Hill Funeral Home on Plank Road, Spotsylvania, Va., with the Rev. John Gordon officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions in her name to Mine Run Volunteer Fire Department, 31077 Old Plank Road, Locust Grove, VA 22508, or Bridgewater Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 268, Bridgewater, VA 22812. Burial will be private.