Obituary for Shirley Jane Miller

Shirley Jane Miller, age 92 of Murphy, went home to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully in her sleep early Friday morning, August 28, 2026.

She was born July 28, 1934 in Middletown, Ohio to the late Glen and Margaret Neville. Shirley spent her working years as a dedicated Registered Nurse in the health care industry until marrying her beloved husband, Robert Miller of 43 years and moved from Fort Myers, FL to Murphy, NC in 1992. They settled on Nottley River Road and joined the Ranger Baptist Church family. Bob got his water and mom got her trees.

Shirley was known for passion of gardening, doll making, painting, crafts -- OH -- did I say gardening? She loved her TREES and PLANTS.

She loved to volunteer at the Humane Society Thrift Store until she became home bound and then a shut-in. Once she became a shut-in, the Ranger Baptist Church ladies showered Shirley with cards, phone calls and visits. Thank you, Jeanette, for your faithfulness to come weekly with news of the church and church families. Dottie bringing songs of praise and worship. Debbie bringing gardening love and flowers. God's shut-in ministry is a gift of love and brings so much joy, prayer and fellowship. Thank you, women of God!

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Margaret Neville; her husband, Robert C. Miller; her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Carlo Back; her daughter-in-law, Valerie Maxwell; her granddaughter, Keri Kirby; and her grandson, Justin Walling.

Surviving is her cat and best friend, Charles; her children, Larry (Marianne) Maxwell, Chuck (Debbie) Maxwell, Susan Foster, Beverly Kirby and Sherry Nivison; her niece, Brenda (Brent) Soale; her seven grandchildren; her nine great grandchildren; her two great great grandchildren; and one grandnephew.

Special thanks to the Hospice of North Carolina family who supported and encouraged us in home care and more ways than we can tell you.

In lieu of flowers, please PLANT A TREE (Arbor Day Foundation) or donate to Gideon Bibles.

Rest in peace Mom, until we meet again. We'll hold you in our hearts forever. Your legacy of love and kindness will live on.

No services are planned at this time.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.