Dora Winona Miller

Winona “Nona” Jones Miller, 85, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on August 20, 2021. She was a resident of Galleria Woods in Hoover, Alabama for seven years. She was born to the late James Leamon Jones and Kitty Lou Jones on November 17, 1935, at home in Lamar County, Alabama.

Nona graduated from Ensley High School on May 28, 1954. When her babies were in kindergarten, she began to sell Avon. After quickly becoming the top producer in Birmingham, she became a district manager supervising many “Avon Ladies.”

Several years later, Nona obtained her real estate license and it wasn’t long before she became one of the top producing agents in the Birmingham area. Her office called her “Nona the Great” because she made being a REALTOR look so easy. However, in truth, it was her genuine love for people and her commitment to hard work that propelled her to the top of her field. She later became a managing broker with several different companies in town, and she was able to train many successful agents.

Nona married the late Jack Lee Miller on February 12, 1956. After living in several states, they settled in Birmingham in 1966.

Jack and Nona shared a love story for more than 50 years. There were hard times of course but their love stood strong through thick and thin. Nona has a note in her Bible to this day from Jack that says “I love you, Nona.” They were such an example to their children and grandchildren. Jack often said, “Be good to each other, life goes by so fast.”

In addition to her husband Jack, Nona was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Teresa Miller.

Survivors include Nona's sister, Demetra Patrick (Jimmy); and five children, Donna Rushing (Lance), Tawana McMeen (David), Dena Netterville - Paul Netterville, Melisa Blanton (Barry), and Keith Miller. She’s also survived by 13 grandchildren: Stephanie Garrett (Ryan), Jim McMeen (Ceci), Will Rushing (Malisa), Taylor Netterville, Natalie Little (Dustin), Julianne Lansfield (Scott), Brittany Goodall (Nat), Rush Netterville, Nick Netterville, Brilliance Swift, Keyon’Dre Swift, Keith Miller Jr., and Jordan Miller; and seven great-grandchildren.

Nona loved her family above everything else, and she enjoyed nothing more than being with them. She loved Alabama football (a season ticket holder for many years), reading, traveling, Sunday lunches at her house, and relaxing at the beach. She will be dearly missed, but we are rejoicing that she has gone to her heavenly home and is reunited with loved ones who have gone before her.

The family will visit with friends at Riverchase Church of Christ from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., immediately followed by the Memorial Service at 1 p.m. at the church, 1868 Montgomery Highway, Birmingham, AL 35244.