Jane Elizabeth Gardner Miller, 96, of Cary died Saturday, December 22, 2018 at UNC Rex Rehabilitation and Nursing Care of Apex. She was born August 26, 1922 in Salisbury, NC to the late John Riley Gardner and Willie Cross Gardner Hess.
Jane graduated from Boyden High School in 1939 and received a scholarship to attend Salisbury Business College, where she met the love of her life, Ernie Miller. Following college, Jane performed accounting and administrative work in the offices of Duke Power Company and Cartex Mills in Salisbury while Ernie served in the US Navy during World War II. Following the conclusion of the war, Jane and Ernie were married on February 16, 1946 in the Evangelical and Reformed Church in Salisbury.
After moving to Cary, NC in January 1958, Jane was briefly employed in the research accounting office at NC State College. Mainly though, she was busily involved in household activities. In 1961, Jane and Ernie became charter members of White Plains United Methodist Church in Cary. Jane was active in all phases of church work, including teaching Sunday School and serving on numerous boards and committees. In 1969, she was honored as the initial recipient of the United Methodist Women’s Special Mission Recognition Award. Jane also served the residents of Cary for many years as a registrar and precinct judge for the Wake County Board of Elections.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Steven Gardner Miller; a brother, John Gardner; and a sister, Mary Roberts.
Jane is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Ernie Miller; sons, Kent Miller (Marilyn) of Spartanburg, SC, and Kevin Miller (Tammy) of Cary; grandchildren, Ryan Miller (Katie) of Mount Pleasant, SC, Marc Miller (Casey) of Boiling Springs, SC, Rhett Miller (fiancée Krystie Wilson) of Charlotte, NC, and Meghan Boyle (Jimmy) of Spartanburg; great-grandchildren, Jordan Boyle of Spartanburg, Case Miller and Crew Miller of Boiling Springs, and Sally Miller of Mount Pleasant; sister, Doris Spencer; brother, Reverend Lamont Hess; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held 1:30pm Saturday, January 5, 2019 at White Plains United Methodist Church. Following inurnment in the church columbarium, the family will receive guests at a reception in the Christian Life Center.
Memorials may be made to White Plains United Methodist Church, 313 SE Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27511.
The family would like to acknowledge the outstanding care provided Jane by UNC Rex Rehabilitation and Nursing Care of Apex during her long-term stay there, and the more recent support from Transitions LifeCare. The attentiveness and loving care that she received from the administrative and office staff, health care providers, and activities coordinators at Rex Rehabilitation is sincerely appreciated.
Condolences may be sent at www.brownwynnecary.com
