Long-time Jackson resident, Joyce (Joye) Thomas Miller, passed away Thursday, September 28, 2023.

Joye was born on Christmas Day, 1922, in Stirling, CO to the late James Earl Thomas and Minnie J. Krubek. The family moved to Nebraska, and after high school Joye studied merchandising and design. She moved to Little Rock, AR and in 1947 she met and married William Anderson Miller, Jr. They reared two children, daughter, Sandra (John) Black of Madison, and son, Steven (Cheryl Morgan) of Fayetteville, AR.

Joye and Bill moved to Jackson, MS in 1952. Bill was an executive pilot for MS Power and Light and Joye volunteered her time to various social clubs and organizations including Newcomer's Club, Continental Bridge and Luncheon Club, 21 Dinner Club, Town and Country Garden Club, Las Comrades Bridge Club, Maids and Matrons Literary Club and others. She was a long-time supporter of the International Ballet Competition, Jackson Symphony Orchestra and she and Bill chaired the art and decoration committee for the Symphony League's Metropolitan and Camelot Balls. She was the overall chairman of decorations for Governor William Waller's 1974 inaugural festivities and was a director of the Mississippi Historic Governor's Mansion during its extensive restoration. Joye also opened her home for the Magnolia State Chapter of the D.A.R. Christmas Pilgrimage and the Mississippi Kidney Foundation.

In 1983 Joye and Bill traveled to Japan and China, and 1986 they attended Princess Grace's Charity Ball in Monaco and enjoyed several cruises with friends.

In 1985 Bill retired and they moved to Vail, CO. Always being avid gardeners, they were awarded the Grand Overall First Place Prize and Trophy for the Best Designated and Beautiful Yard in the Vail Valley. The Millers also lived in Destin, FL for a time and Bellas Vista, AR.

When the Miller's returned home to Jackson they resumed their many friendships and activities, traveling a little and playing bridge with friends, often enjoying family gatherings at her daughter and son-in-law's ranch in Lexington, MS.

Bill passed away in 2011 and Joye moved to the Waterford Retirement Center for 12 years and then to the Madison Health and Rehab Center in Madison, MS.

Joye is preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, and her brother William Thomas.

Her survivors include daughter Sandra Miller Black and husband John of Madison and Lexington, MS; stepson Steven Miller and wife Cheryl of Springdale, AR; granddaughter Elisabeth Black Culbertson of Flowood and Oxford, MS; granddaughter Stefanie Nicholson Black of Denver, CO; grandson John Louis Black, III and wife Amelie of Lexington and Oxford, MS; and granddaughter Meredith Phillips and husband Adam of Springdale, AR; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; siblings Jackie Wade of Bentonville, AR, Jimmy Thomas of San Diego, CA and Dixie Schluer of Bentonville, AR.

A private service and interment will be in the family cemetery in Lexington, MS.

Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice or to the Children's Hospital of MS.