Iva Nell (“Nellie”) Miller

Iva Nell (“Nellie”) Miller passed away at home on June 15, 2019.  She was born on May 2, 1915 and blessed with remarkable vitality throughout her 104 years.

Nellie was raised in rural West Texas and met and married Dillard Miller when her family moved to Arkansas.  They were married for 62 years until his death.  Nellie was a devoted wife and a doting, fun-loving mother and grandmother.

Shortly after marriage, Dillard entered the Baptist ministry and served churches in Arkansas for over 60 years, including 29 years as pastor of First Baptist Church Mena.  Nellie enjoyed teaching Sunday School and continued doing so until age 102.   

Nellie taught English for 40 years.  Although small in stature, students recall that her trademark high heels and outgoing personality made her a towering presence.  At age 104 Nellie would still instruct on proper grammar when needed.

Nellie’s lifelong hobby of sewing began at age 10 and continued well past 100 years of age.  She could sketch a design and make it from scratch.

Nellie was always physically active.  She jogged in a 5K run at age 93 and enjoyed her aerobics class for many years.  She often referred to her 80’s, 90’s and 100’s as the “best of the rest.”

Nellie never ceased to be joyful, humorous, resourceful and loving.  Her keen wit and radiant smile never faded – and the joy she shared will brighten even the difficult days ahead.   

Nellie was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Dillard S. Miller; by her parents, Sarah Emmaline and Archibald Quentin Hector; and by her six siblings.

She is survived by her children, Karr La Dickens (and Dean) of Garland, TX and Rod Miller of McKinney, TX; and by her grandchildren Douglas Dickens (and Lauren) of San Jose, CA, Whitney Dickens McMahan (and Joseph) of Chicago, IL, and Courtney Dickens Rogers (and Phil) of London, UK.  She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Elias Dickens, Sula Dickens and Caitlin McMahan.

The family request that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to a senior citizen ministry or charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 17, 2019 at First Baptist Church, McKinney, Texas.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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