She graduated Valedictorian of Negreet High School in 1952, and married Billy Ray Miller on July 3, 1952 after his 2 years in the U.S. Army. They returned to Louisiana when he was discharged from the military. They lived in Missouri, at which time they had two children. She attended Northwestern University and graduated in 1959. They moved to Calcasieu Parish where she attended McNeese University where she obtained a Master's Plus 30 in Early Education and taught for 28 years. She later obtained certification in Special Education, which she taught for 10 years. She enjoyed quilting, cooking, and working in the yard. She is a member of First Baptist Church in Moss Bluff.
She is survived by two daughters, Pam Broussard (Tommy) of New Iberia; Judy Laquidera (Vince) Missouri City; her grandchildren, Kristy Soileau (Wayne) of Lake Charles, Craig Zito (Megan) of New Iberia, and Chad Hodge (Nicole) of Nevada, MO; 6 great-grandchildren, Taylor Maddox (Jake), Katlin Ardoin (Alec), Payton Soileau (Nick), Keaton Soileau, Addie Hodge, and Gia Zito; her brother, Howard C Stroud, Jr of Lake Charles.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Miller, her grandson, Daniel Ray Zito, and her parents, Howard C. and Bertha Stroud.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Hixson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff. Her funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, with Rev. Bill Saxby officiating. Jo Nell will be laid to rest next to her husband in Beulah Cemetery in Many, LA.
Jo Nell's family would like to say a special thank you to all the staff at Sage Oak Assisted Living and Amedisys Hospice for their great care.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or a donation of your choice in Mrs. Miller's memory.
