Verna Elizabeth Myra Whitmore Miller (84 years old) passed away on July 8, 2021. She was born April 11, 1937, to LaVerne and Myra Whitmore in Apalachin, New York. Though she survived several traumatic events during her lifetime that most could not fathom, she remained strong in her faith and loved life for all its blessings. “Gram,” as her grandkids lovingly referred to her, was a friend to all and would give her last dollar to anyone in need. Smart, kind, loving, strong, selfless, stubborn, fun, humorous, spirited, and beautiful are just some of her wonderful attributes.
To know Gram was to love her.
Gram was a lifelong resident of Owego, a small, rural town in upstate New York along the mighty Susquehanna River . She was a receptionist for the Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension Office of Tioga County until 1998, Gram was active in 4-H and also provided nutritional education to many Tioga County children each summer.
Upon retirement, she volunteered at the local food pantry and loved it so much that she soon began working there part-time. She also volunteered in many positions for her church and called bingo at the Senior Center. When she was not working or volunteering, her favorite past time was sitting out on her porch, playing games, and getting ice cream with her grandkids. Gram
was the person that everyone in the family called when they needed anything. She was always available and full of information and wonderful advice. She was the glue that kept the family together.
In 2019, as Gram aged and realized that living alone was becoming harder, she decided to move to Georgia to be close to her granddaughters Robin Lambert (Paul Stanley) and Brandi Bagwell, her great-granddaughter Kylee Lambert (Chris Slayton) and her great-great grandson James Paul Slayton. She spent the majority of her last two years enjoying life and playing games with her newfound friends at Dahlonega Assisted Living or spending quality time with her Georgia family who she called her “Georgia Peaches”.
In addition to her Georgia family that loved her dearly, her survivors include her daughters Peggy Corder (Jim) and Judi Whitmarsh (Floyd), her son William Miller (Deb), her grandchildren Ryan, Logan (Lauren), Stuart, Valerie (Chris) and Chrissy (Ben), her great-grandchildren Alexis, Blake, Myra, Isaac, Bri, Anna, and Elliott, her other great-great grandchild Isaac Jr., and her brothers Myron (Shirley), Ronald (Norma), Paul (Dianne) and their families. Gram had many wonderful friendships along the years, but some special friends of note are Barbie Dornblaser and Sharon Howe-Cardinale. Their letters, cards and constant friendship meant the world to Gram.
Gram was preceded in death by both of her parents, her daughter Bonnie Miller, and her brothers Terry, John, and Gary Whitmore.
This world will never be the same, but it was a better place because of Gram’s golden heart and infectious laugh for the past 84 years. She will forever remain in our hearts and minds.
Gram’s granddaughters would like to recognize the staff at Dahlonega Assisted Living for loving our Gram and helping her make a home in Georgia. Particularly, Gram developed a close loving relationship with Karen Spors and Wendy Wood, and they were both so very important to the family for their role in caring for and loving Gram like family. She adored them both.
A celebration of Gram’s life is scheduled on Friday, July 16, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. at Barrett Funeral Home in Cleveland, Georgia. A livestream will be available for her family and friends that are unable to attend.
