Elsie Ann Miller

Elsie Ann Miller, 88, of Jacksonville, passed away April 8, 2023. She was born in Typo, KY the youngest child of Luther and Lillian Strong.

She is preceeded in death by her parents, 8 siblings, 3 sons-in-laws, a grandson, a great-great grandson, and in 2022, by James, her loving husband of 71 years.

She was a military wife of 20 years which took her to Arizona, South Carolina, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Arkansas became her home. She was a member of Jacksonville Second Baptist Church where she formed strong friendships with the ladies of her Sunday School class. Although marrying at 15 and with little formal schooling, she was determinded to be a successful business woman. She opened the Mari- Ann Shop in the 1970's providing the women of Jacksonville a local place to buy beautiful clothes. After operating her dress shop for several years she decided to move into the real estate business. She worked for Plantation Reality then opened her own agency, Miller Homes and Land. She loved the real estate business and was never off duty! She later returned to Plantation Reality and continued to sell real estate until into her 70's when diagnosed with the beginning stages of Alzheimer's.

Her Alzheimer's journey was long but she fought it with all she had. The family would like to thank her caregivers, both at home and at the AR State Veteran's Home #3, that took such great care of both her and our dad. She loved them all and they loved her back! We were especially pleased with they elected Mom & Dad the 2022 Valentine King & Queen of the AR VA Homes and with Channel 4 & 16's coverage of this event. They were so proud to show off their love for each other after 71 years of marriage!

Elsie had the biggest heart and was so sweet and kind. She loved sitting on her front porch and visiting with family and friends who stopped by. Everyone was welcomed to her family holiday dinners and she was always delighted to include the extras who needed a family to celebrate with.

She is survived by her 6 children, Patti Willits, Barbara Davis (Jim), Marilyn Whitmore, Nancy Cook, James Kelly Miller Jr and John Miller, her sister in law, Polly Ruth Strong, 12 grandchildren, 23 great & great- great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6:00PM-8:00PM Monday, April 17, 2023 at Smith Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Hwy 107). Funeral will be at 10:30AM Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at the funeral home with burial following at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.