FRANKLIN, IN
Jackie Miller, of Franklin, IN, passed away on April 9, 2020. She was born April 15, 1924 in Shelby County, IN to Martha (Scudder) and Glen Ferris. She and her late husband Robert Miller, whom she married on March 19, 1944 shared fifty-six years of marriage until his death on August 5, 2000. Together with her parents, they owned and operated F & M Oil Company in Finly, IN for many years and were active community members.
Jackie began a career at Naval Avionics during WW II, while Bob served as a B-17 bomber pilot, assigned to the European Theater of Operations. As a strong advocate for equal opportunity for women, Jackie was named Federal Women’s Program Coordinator at the naval ordinance equipment facility in 1975. She developed programs for the employment and advancement of women and to facilitate their entrance into new fields and occupations. In 1983, she received the Meritorious Civilian Service Award from the Department of the Navy.
After thirty-eight years of government service, she began a second career with Mary Kay Cosmetics, ultimately becoming a Director. She and Bob relocated to the United Methodist Community in Franklin, IN and again, became active contributors to their new community and the Grace United Methodist Church. Jackie enjoyed leadership opportunities and volunteer work, including the Rotary Club of Franklin and Rotary International, Indianapolis Symphony, Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County, The Historic Artcraft Theater, P.E.O. International, and served on the Johnson County Senior Services Board.
She is survived by nieces and nephews; Tammy Adkins (David) of Rockford, IL, Tracy Craig (Tom) of Pendleton, IN, Jill Lyday of Indianapolis; Tere Payne (Rich) of Greenfield, IN, Randy Ferris of Burnsville, MN, Tim Ferris of Greenfield, IN and Todd Ferris of Hurricane, WV. Also surviving are many great and great-great- nieces and nephews and cousins.
Her niece Tonya Ferris preceded her in death.
The family is deeply grateful to Patty Olnick, Judy Olnick, and Shance Fox. They exemplified care-giving at its most steadfast.
Reverends Andy Kinsey and Jenothy Irvine will conduct a celebration of Jackie’s life on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. at Swartz Family Community Mortury and Memorial Center in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed for family and friends can connect at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/jackie-miller. Please use Firefox internet or Google Chrome for optimal viewing. Family and friends may gather from 1:00 P.M. until service time. Due to COVID-19 mandates, facial covering or mask are required for those attending. A family graveside service was held at Asbury Cemetery, Morristown, IN.
Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 East Adams Drive, Franklin, IN 46131 or at www.franklingrace.org. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information at 317-738-0202.
