E. Joyce Miller

Major E. Joyce Miller, 87, of Hiawassee, GA, passed away after a short illness at Union County Hospital, in Blairsville, GA, Feb. 8, 2019. Joyce was born in Chauncey, Ohio to Ronald and Juanita Miller, May 2, 1931. Joyce graduated from Middleport High in Middleport, Ohio, in 1949. While a senior she read, "Sally Joins the WAC" which influenced her to join the US Army following graduation. After basic training she was sent to Fort Jay, NY, where a view out her barracks window included the Statue of Liberty. She then was sent to Heidelberg, Germany, where she served with the post WWII Army of Occupation. In 1953, she returned to civilian life to attend San Diego University and the school of Art in Dayton, Ohio. She rejoined the Army, attended Dental Tech School at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, and after graduation served as a Dental Tech instructor. While at Fort Sam, she competed with male and female soldiers for 4th Army's "Soldier of the Year," which she won. She then attended WAC OCS at Fort McClellan, AL and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. A highlight of her Army career was serving as Commander, 5th Army, WAC Detachment, Fort Sheridan, IL. After the Army, she became a member of the Department of Defense workforce and retired as an Army civilian, after working at the US Army Depot in Anniston, AL, as a technical writer for overhaul and repair of Army tanks and combat weaponry. She will be remembered for her many interests including RVing and president and co-owner of American Heritage RV Park in Williamsburg, VA, then president of Fairoaks Condo Association in Eustis, FL. Her summers were spent raising vegetables and RV traveling to Ohio and Sault Ste Marie, MI to spent time with family and friends. Additionally, she was an accomplished artist, wood worker and animal humanitarian. Joyce, our wonderful partner, friend, "adopted Mom," sister and aunt will be remembered and missed greatly.
Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory Of Blairsville is honored to be serving the family.