Joann Elizabeth James

Joann Elizabeth (Miller) James was born on May 13, 1937 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She entered her eternal rest with the Lord on September 17, 2015. She was 78 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband, Pless Percy Miller, Jr. and her parents Margurite and Walter Adams. Joann attended Unity High School in Statesville, North Carolina. She was united in marriage to “June”, as everyone called him, on January 30, 1954. They moved to Columbus along with the rest of the Miller family in 1957. That union was blessed with 6 children to cherish her memory. Three daughters: Gloria Diane Thomas (Joseph), Betty Jean Miller (Tommy) and Kimberly Sue Miller (Howard). Three sons: Ernest Eugene Miller (Laurice), Perry Lynn Miller (Ginger), Jerry Lee Miller (Stephanie); along with 14 Grandchildren, 20 Great Grandchildren; 3 Great-Great Grandchildren; 4 Sisters In –law, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and special friends. Joann liked to work word puzzles and took her book with her on trips. She especially liked jigsaw puzzles and often invited anyone she could get to help to join in. She loved Christmas and seeing the children open gifts on Christmas morning. If there were no children at her house she found some, even if she had to spend the night. Family came first. She always had a pot of something on the stove. She’d feed you in a moment. Jessica, the first grandchild, coined the name by which every grandchild called her. Gannie was loved by everyone and was often adopted by friends of children and grandchildren alike. Kindness, caring, hospitality and strength were apparent in how she lived her life. Joann retired from DCSC in October of 1997 after many years of service.