Carol Jean Miller (Mansfield)'s Obituary
Carol Jean Miller, daughter of Galen B. Miller and Florence K. Miller, was born November 28, 1927 in Perry, Iowa. She departed this life Tuesday, February 14, 2012 in the home she shared with her brother Gaylerd and sister-in-law Marlene, at the age of eighty-four years, two months and seventeen days.
She was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Florence K. Miller on February 18, 2000 and Galen B. Miller on February 25, 2000. Carol is survived by her four sisters Dorothy Fiscel and husband Ray of Freemont, NE, Betty Beni and husband Peter of Marion, LA, Jodie Boggs and husband Robert of Winona Lake, IN, Pat Boyd and husband Ed of San Bernardino, CA; two brothers Dale Miller and wife Grace of Wauseon, OH and Gaylerd Miller and wife Marlene of Mansfield, MO. Carol was a born premature, and later suffered a high fever from a childhood disease which left her mind on a 3-4 year old level. The doctor told Galen and Florence that she would not live through her teen age years, but he didn’t know our Carol. She was unable to complete schooling and never married, but she was a blessing and taught those who meet her love and joy. Carol lived with her parents in Dallas Center, IA until her parents moved to Cedar Gap, MO in 1975. In 1985, she and her parents moved into a trailer house south of Mansfield on Gaylerd and Marlene’s property. When her parents died in February 2000, Gaylerd and Marlene became her guardians and caregivers. We received it as a stewardship from God and prayed we would do our best and be faithful to the care He gave us. Her life has literally been in Marlene’s hands as she was completely dependent. We wanted her to be happy and have the best life we could give her. People just loved Carol and Carol loved people, especially children. She loved ice cream first and then apples second-apples to look at and touch, and apple sauce to eat. All of her dresses of the last several years had apples in the pattern, custom made for her by LaVonne Overholt, Marlene’s sister. She was a good traveler, and whatever thrilled a 3 and 4 year old thrilled her. Christmas lights brought a loud response, bridges, boats, ice cream, airplanes, children, eating out, ice cream and tea. She saw ice cream everywhere in the coffee cup sign with steam coming out the top that was an ice cream cone. She decided some factories and stores made and sold ice cream. She loved to do puzzles. She probably had 400 of more. She had gotten down to the 63 and 40 some piece puzzles. In fact, she put several pieces in a puzzle just hours before she died. She loved to sing, and knew many of the old hymns she learned as a child by memory. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer really turned her on, and she loved Barney. People at Wal-Mart or the restaurant or rest home would notice her and come talk to her. Our church people loved her, and she loved them. Kay Fleming was her special friend. Marlene would prepare a small gift and card for birthdays and anniversaries, and it was Carol’s job to give it to them. There was a ritual the every body knew. She would corner them and say, “Shut your eyes!” They would hold out their hand and say, “What is it Carol?” She would say, “I won’t tell you.” When they opened it she would say, “Are you happy now?” and she would clap her hands. Marlene’s sister Glenna Knight has been here for us to help and give Marlene an opportunity to get away and get a break. Our children and grandchildren just loved and made over her. Waitresses at different restaurants became her special friends. She would say at times, “Jesus is coming! Jesus is coming for me.” And after 5 months of one problem and painful situation after another, Jesus came to get her in her sleep Monday night. She has a new body and a complete mind and is now in Jesus’ care. She was such a good and patient person in all of her suffering. Special thanks to Jeanelle for shampooing her hair so lovingly for several years, and to Hospice Compassus for 1 month and 10 days of compassionate support and care. We thank the Lord for the privilege of having Carol in our home for these 12 years and 2 months, and we miss her much.
What’s your fondest memory of Carol?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carol?
Share a story where Carol's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carol you’ll never forget.
How did Carol make you smile?