Bettye J Miller

Bettye J. (Goyne) Miller, 95, of Belleville, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021, at Morningside of Shiloh. She was born in Bonham, Texas and was a registered nurse who trained at New Orleans Baptist Hospital in Louisiana. Subsequently, she assisted her husband, John, in his private medical practice and later became a homemaker. Bettye enjoyed gardening, knitting, crafting, road trips, and spending time with family and friends. She was “famous” for her sugar cookies, her drinkable mashed potatoes, and her fervent contempt of blue flowers. She was a long-time, active member of First Christian Church of Belleville.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Dr. John H. Coffey, her second husband, Henry E. Miller; her sons, Robert S. Coffey and Larry D. Miller; her great-grandson, Gage Coffey; her parents, Fount and Vera (McClure) Goyne; and her sister, Louise “Tood” (Goyne) Cope.

She is survived by two sons, Stephen M. (Ann) Coffey and David H. (Jackie) Miller, her daughter-in-law, Carolyn Coffey, her son Larry’s partner, Marilyn; her grandchildren, Susan E. (Todd) Wade, Kristopher S. Coffey, Erin D. (Will) Marchand, Dr. Tara B. (Tim) Lawley, Jennifer L. Miller, Dana H. (Devon, decd) Morgan, Sheri (Greg) Haiges, Traci (Mike) Silvey, Ryan Miller, and Phillip Miller; and her great-grandchildren, Brittany Wade, Lexi (Chris) Durand; Matthew and Aidan Lawley; Atreyu “Tru” Coffey; Bryce Morgan; Josh and Shannon Haiges; Sophie, Sebastian, and Spencer Silvey; Morgan, Gwendolyn, and Valentina Miller; and many nieces and nephews.

A private, graveside service will be held for family only this week. A memorial service for Bettye and her son, Robert, will occur at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at First Christian Church of Belleville with Doug Hargrave officiating. Friends may call from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at the church on that day.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Christian Church of Belleville or Hospice of Southern Illinois.