Marian Ward Miller

Marian Louise Ward Miller, 91, passed away in Chesapeake on October 25, 2024. Born June 14, 1933 to Herbert and Vera Ward, she was a lifelong resident of Tidewater. She grew up in South Norfolk. Marian graduated from South Norfolk High School in 1951, where her vivacious personality was on early display as the head drum majorette. She met the love of her life, the late Morris “Dolly” Miller, at a teen dance at the community center. They shared more than 60 wonderful years together, enjoying time with family and their many friends and travel to numerous locales. Marian loved being with people and making them happy. Her warm, generous, and thoughtful nature drew others to her. She delighted in entertaining and celebrating events.

Music was one of Marian’s lifelong passions. As a child, she sang on the Joe Brown radio show. Though she had no formal musical training, she could play by ear most any song she heard. She excelled on both the piano and the organ. She liked all music, particularly show tunes and popular standards. She was a long-time member of the Metropolitan Music Club and enjoyed volunteering her musical talents for events in the community. She relished her several years of selling pianos at The Keynote, but she most valued her role as a homemaker, supporting the endeavors of her family.

Marian was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her grandchildren particularly recall the many family events at her home and dancing to her amazing boogie woogie. Her memory will be cherished by daughter, Karen Armstrong; son, Gary Miller and his wife Nancy; grandchildren, John Armstrong, Blake Miller, and Kyle Miller; great grandson, Cylus Perkins; and her numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved siblings Edna Tisdale and Herbert Gordon Ward with whom she shared close relationships.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff of Trinity Hospice for their compassionate end of life care.

Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday November 1, 2024 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. Norfolk followed by a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. in the Woodlawn chapel with interment following in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter, 6350 Center Drive, Suite 102, Norfolk, VA 23502. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com.