Joyce H. Miller
Joyce H. Miller Obituary
CHURCHVILLE – Joyce Marie (Hevener) Miller, 96, passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in Augusta Health.
One of nine children of the late Lester Loyd and Clara Mae (Cook) Hevener, she was born in the family home at Jennings Gap on April 14, 1930.
She was a 1947 graduate of Churchville High School. She attended Washington Missionary College (now Washington Adventist University), and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Atlantic Union College. Joyce was an elementary school teacher for over 40 years, the majority of which were spent at C. F. Richards Jr. Academy. She was absolutely devoted to her students, focusing on each child’s individual academic and personal needs. She was a recipient of the Zappara Award for excellence in teaching. Her dedication took her well beyond the classroom and even included serving as a daily shuttle driver for students for many years. Joyce retired in 1990.
She was equally devoted to the ministry of her local church and conference. She was an active member of Staunton Seventh-day Adventist Church where she served as head deaconess, Sabbath School leader and teacher, and in numerous other roles. She served as ladies auxiliary leader for many years, effectively organizing and fund-raising to cover expenses of the Staunton church and mission endeavors.
Joyce was, above all, passionate about her family. Whether gardening, cooking and canning, or hosting family gatherings, or singing with her sisters in churches and meetings, or walking side-by-side with her dear husband, she loved investing herself in the relationships the Lord blessed her with.
On July 1, 1956 she married John Reuben Miller and they enjoyed 69 years of marriage. John passed away just ten months ago, on October 25, 2025. Joyce was also preceded in death by four sisters, Maxine “Sis” Sheffer and husband Cecil, Norine Lovegrove and husband Eugene, Genevieve Shull and husband Lenwood “Nick,” and Janet Harvey and husband Craig; and four brothers, Richard Hevener and wife Madeline, Kenneth “Buzz” Hevener and wife Jean, Bobby Hevener and wife Nellie, and Boyd Wayne Hevener.
She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Jeannetta and Randall “Randy” Bosley of Churchville; grandson Logan Bosley and his wife Avery of Churchville; great-grandson Weston John Bosley (Joyce was delighted to share in Weston’s first few months of life!); sister-in-law Dianna Hevener of Mt. Solon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 16 in Staunton Seventh-day Adventist Church, officiated by Pastor Dan Darrikhuma. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Randy and Logan Bosley, Larry Sheffer, Richard L. “Dickie” Hevener II, Barry and Darin Hevener, Arthur Miller Jr., and Douglas Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be John Sypher, Steve Smith, Horace Wimmer Jr., Luke Hevener, Daniel Hernandez, Rick Shull, Don Wright, Carl Moyers, and Calvin Ratcliffe.
The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the church, and other times at the residence.
Memorials may be directed to the building fund of Staunton Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1000 N. Coalter St., Staunton, VA 24401.
Bear Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at bearfuneralhome.com.
