Doris Jean Miller

Doris Jean Miller, 80, passed away at Moses Cone Hospital on January 4, 2017. Doris Jean's journey began outside of the Asheboro City limits when she was born in Sam and Sally Mada Henley's (her grandparents) farm house March 23, 1936. Her mother, Gladys Henley Miller, had complications during delivery and the baby experienced some head trauma at birth. This is significant in understanding the remarkable challenges and accomplishments throughout Doris Jean's life. As a small child many medical procedures and therapy were required, but through her own determination and a very supportive mother, family members, and community, Doris Jean recovered and excelled in her interests. Doris Jean identified herself as the "tough one" in the family stating she never complained compared to other kids. This is true, except about the weather, she complained of it often. This toughness remained a theme throughout her life. She worked hard and graduated high school and went to work for 10 years at Baptist Hospital. She later moved back to Asheboro to be closer with family and worked 37 years as a Ward Secretary at Randolph Hospital. After she retired, she sat with and assisted people who needed support and company. She has played the piano since childhood and occasionally played at Asheboro Friend's Meeting, her home church that she has been actively involved in and committed to her entire life. Doris Jean was a very social person. She loved to visit with others, go out to eat and reminisce. Her cousins refer to her as the "family historian". She was the oldest of 27 grandchildren and enjoyed telling family stories and attending reunions. Children loved Doris Jean. She possessed a childlike enthusiasm and sense of adventure that kids and adults alike responded well to. For example, when Doris Jean was 72 years old she and her 4 year old great nephew participated in the bungee trampoline jump in the Asheville Mall. She managed to draw a crowd cheering her on. Doris Jean also loved Christmas and birthdays more than anyone, including kids. On December 26th, she would start talking about and planning for the next Christmas get together. In March of 2016, Doris Jean was given a big 80th birthday party; a gift from her brother-in-law. She was so excited to see all her friends and family and shared the details of this party for months afterwards. Doris Jean was preceded in death by her mother, Gladys Henley Miller (1994) and her sister, Jane Henley Miller Smith (2016). She is survived by her brother-in-law, J.D. Smith of Asheboro; niece, Jennifer Lane Smith Tuten and husband Chris Michael Tuten and her great nephew, Rylan Daniel Tuten of Asheville; brother, Sidney Leon Miller and nephews Paul and Mike Miller, niece Nancy Jane Miller, of Shreveport, LA. A service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2016 at 2:00 at Asheboro Friends Meeting (230 East Kivett Street, Asheboro, NC). Memorials can be sent to Asheboro Friends Meeting, PO Box 987, Asheboro, NC 27204. Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is serving the family.