Joyce Miller

Joyce L. Miller, 90, of Robinson, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Robinson Rehab and Nursing. She was born on March 19, 1935, in Robinson, the daughter of Charles and Eula Frye. On June 11, 1955, Joyce married the love of her life, Orlin “Orlie” H. Miller, and together they built a home where love, laughter, and the bustle of raising three children filled the rooms. Joyce poured her life into her family, creating a space where her children were nurtured and known. She saw it as her calling to make sure her home was cared for and her loved ones were provided for. It was not unusual to see her ironing board set up in the kitchen, pressing clothes for her own family and for others who brought her theirs. She bent over backwards to support Orlie, walking him through every detail to ensure he was cared for, not because it was her duty, but because she considered it her joy.

Though her heart was always at home, Joyce also carried her warm spirit and ready smile into the workplace. Over the years, she worked many part-time jobs, each one another opportunity to bless those around her. She served as lunchroom supervisor at Washington Grade School during the years her children attended, worked at Tresslers, The Hollywood, The Index, The Gingerbread House, and Marty’s Produce, and was known around town for many years as the friendly “Avon Lady.” Outside of work, Joyce had a way of making life full. She scoured the newspaper each week to plan her garage-saling route and was as skilled at hosting a garage sale as she was at finding the perfect bargain. After retirement, she devoted many hours to her sewing machine, creating appliquéd sweatshirts which she sold at local markets.

She and Orlie loved to spend their free time together, often on two wheels. Though never members of a formal club, they enjoyed long summer motorcycle rides with friends. After the children were grown, retirement gave them the chance to exchange their motorcycle for a motorhome, where they spent countless days traveling, meeting new friends, and enjoying bluegrass music together. Adventuring wasn’t just for the two of them, though. All through the years, Joyce and Orlie made sure that life with their children was full of experiences, too. The family traveled often, especially to national parks, and the photo albums tell the story: ice-skating and go-kart rides in the winters, camping and swimming in the summers, boating trips, day trips to Indianapolis, and the Christmas gatherings they hosted for years. Looking back, it’s clear they didn’t just make time for family; they delighted in it.

Of all her accomplishments, Joyce’s proudest legacy is her family. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kim and John Brimberry of Robinson, IL; her son and daughter-in-law, Kris and Dena Miller of Milton, FL; her grandchildren and their spouses, Brandon and Holly Brimberry, Logan and Annabeth Brimberry, Nic and Brooke Miller, and Kelly and Harvey Brown; and by her three great-grandchildren, Violet Brimberry, Miller Brimberry, and Oliver Miller. Preceding her in death were her parents; her beloved husband, Orlie; her sister, Doris Swinger; and her son, Kevin Scott Miller.

Joyce’s life was a beautiful picture of devotion, generosity, and a gift for making conversation. While her absence leaves a deep ache, those who loved her take comfort in knowing she is surely happy to be reunited with Orlie, her partner in every adventure.

A private family service will be held at the Tohill Cemetery, and the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is entrusted with these arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joyce’s memory to a charity close to your heart.