Jimmie Nell Miller, 84, passed away on November 5, 2021 at Auburn’s Bethany House. She was born in Pell City, Alabama on February 24, 1937 where she lived the majority of her life. She was married for 65 years to Frank Ray Miller, who passed away in February 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, James F. Polk and Bonnell Smith Polk, as well as her brother Don Jeffrey Polk (Ellen), and sisters Faye Polk Chambless, and Betty Jo Polk. She is survived by her three children – Cindy Miller Watson (Mike) of Opelika, AL; Missy Miller Jenkins (Greg) of Opelika, AL; and Adam Chadwick Miller (Emily) of Mountain Brook, AL. She also leaves five grandchildren who remember special moments with their “Ninu”: Mallory Jenkins, Madalyn Jenkins, Hudson Miller, Hayes Miller, and Mary Brooks Miller. She also is survived by sister-in-law, Marilyn Miller Holloway, and brother-in-law, John Benson Miller, both of Prattville, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
After their marriage, she and Ray were stationed in San Juan, Puerto Rico where he was stationed in the US Air Force. Following his separation from the USAF, they relocated to Jacksonville, Alabama where he enrolled at Jacksonville State College and earned a bachelor’s degree. Following his graduation, they relocated back to Pell City and in 1964, built their first home together. Jimmie Nell was extremely gifted in terms of the creative arts. She began a successful career as an interior decorator as well as being interested in offering her talents and advice to her children as they decorated their homes. She was well known in the central Alabama area as a very accomplished artist. She leaves behind a multitude of beautiful paintings that decorate her children’s’ homes as well as homes of her friends and public buildings in Pell City. She was honored for teaching art to Alzheimer’s patients to paint familiar subjects which assisted in their therapy. She served on numerous boards and committees in Pell City, including the library board. For a period of time, she demonstrated her can-do spirit by driving the library bookmobile. She especially enjoyed her Sunday School class at First Baptist Church in Pell City. She developed many close friendships that grew from that class. In her spare time, she loved working in her yard and tending her flower gardens.
She and husband Ray, were consistent and avid supporters of United Way of Central Alabama, often volunteering their lovely home for United Way events. Jimmie Nell was the model hostess who loved to stage special events at their home, ranging from non-profit fundraisers to her high school class reunions. She spared no detail in decorating for the enjoyment of her guests and took great satisfaction in seeing her guests enjoy the event. Jimmie Nell and Ray enjoyed numerous international trips to the four corners of the world with family, friends and business associates as well as trips around the United States. Jimmie Nell loved her children and adored her grandchildren and loved spending precious time with them all. She received significant satisfaction participating with them in the many activities they enjoyed. She also enjoyed teaching the art of painting to the grandchildren that demonstrated such an aptitude.
A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Pell City on Thursday, November 11, 2021 with visitation at 1:00pm in the sanctuary. The memorial service will follow at 2:00pm with Rev. A.L. Courtney and Rev. John Tweatt officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Kilgroe Funeral Home, Pell City. Anyone preferring donations may make them to the Pell City Public Library or the Museum of Pell City.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kilgroefh.com for the Miller family.
