Joan Miller

Joan Reis Miller of Little Rock, AR died peacefully on November 29, 2020 with her husband by her side.

Joanie was born January 6, 1930 to George and Catherine Reis in Pittsburgh, PA.  She was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings, Margaret, Thomas, Jack and Helen.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Robert E. Miller, Jr.; her four children, Helen McCune, Robert (Laura) Miller, Margaret (John) Dykstra, Anne (Jeff) Simmermaker; eight grandchildren, Brian (Leah) McCune, Maggie McCune (Alex) Berger, Katie Dykstra (Nick) Cecconi, Jack Dykstra, Joanie Simmermaker (Brandon) Wells, Tom Simmermaker, Ellen and Lucy Miller; five great-grandchildren, Riley, Reis, Collin, Hayley and Isla; and other extended family and friends.

She was raised in Indianapolis and was a proud alumna of St. Joan of Arc grade school and Shortridge H.S.  She graduated from Indiana University and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.  It was at IU where she met Bob and they began their lifelong union.  She was chosen as “Sweetheart of Sigma Chi,” an accolade she cherished.

Her devotion to her husband and his career with Mead Paper Corp. led to many homes throughout her life.  Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Birmingham, MI, Hinsdale, IL, Kettering, OH, Apopka, FL and Little Rock, AR were all stops along the way.

She adored her faith and her family.  As it was said during her last rites, Joanie prepared her entire life for this moment.  She was a loving mother who was always there.  Whether it was making a warm breakfast before school, being at bedside after surgery, or driving carpools, she was the rock of her family.  After surviving a major stroke 23 years ago, she fought to regain mobility.  Nineteen years later she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.  She said, “Let’s fight it.”  She did and beat the odds again!  She enjoyed her final years staying involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Joanie was known for her gregarious personality.  It was always fun to be around her, and all who knew her were blessed!

Memorials may be made to:

CARTI, a not-for-profit, comprehensive cancer center with treatment facilities located throughout Arkansas, P.O. Box 55050, Little Rock, AR 72215, 855-552-2784, ext. 76, https://carti.ejoinme.org/donate;

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org/;

Kindred Hospice, 10800 Financial Centre Pkwy #380, Little Rock, AR 72211, (501) 223-8868, kindredhospicefaq.com;

or her church- Christ the King Catholic Church, Endowment Fund, 4000 N Rodney Parham Rd, Little Rock, AR 72212, (501) 225-6774, https://www.ctklr.org/.

Due to Covid-19, a private service will be held for family only.  Online guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.

Arrangements by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, AR 72205, (501)224-2200.