Jennie Miller

Jennie Chandler Miller, 89, of Tallahassee, Florida—a devoted mother, grandmother, and the steady heart of her family—died peacefully on March 17, 2026, at Big Bend Hospice House in Tallahassee. Jennie was born November 19, 1936, in Blakely, Georgia, the oldest daughter of Robert Cunningham and Lois Hay Chandler. Growing up in a large family with five brothers and two sisters, Jennie naturally stepped into a leadership role among the siblings. The family later moved to Quincy, Florida, where Jennie’s older brothers soon left home to enlist in the military or begin their careers, while the younger children remained at home. Life in a house full of sisters was rarely quiet. Jennie’s mother, who worked as a seamstress, made dresses for the girls but only one crinoline petticoat. The three sisters constantly argued over who would get to wear it, often ending up wrestling on the floor while their father shouted warnings from the next room. With most of the boys away—except for J.S.—the three daughters, Jennie, Lois, and Eloise, developed a close bond that lasted their entire lives. While growing up in Quincy, Jennie was an active member of First Presbyterian Church. She played trombone in the Quincy High School band and worked at McCrory’s Dime Store in downtown Quincy. Jennie met the love of her life while shopping at J.Q. Kelley’s Market in Quincy. Frank Miller, who worked there, noticed the pretty young woman and quickly began asking about her. Once they were introduced, the two began dating and were married in June of 1957. Soon afterward, they moved to Tallahassee, where they built a life together and raised their two children, Kathy and Tom. Raising their family was always Jennie’s priority though on Saturday nights she and Frank sometimes slipped away for a little dancing, often at the iconic Shady Rest. In 1958, Jennie began working as a bookkeeper at Borden’s Dairy, where she spent many years and formed lifelong friendships. After a short retirement, she returned to work with Florida Department of Education, where she served as a bookkeeper for another ten years. Jennie and Frank’s home was rarely quiet. It was a place where family and friends gathered often, especially around Jennie’s cooking. Whether it was a holiday meal or an ordinary day that turned into something special, Jennie was usually in the kitchen preparing a Southern meal that few could match. Meanwhile, family and friends gathered on the deck, under the oak trees in the yard, or in the living room sharing stories. On some nights, guests even danced to tunes playing on the jukebox. Frank was the entertainer and storyteller, while Jennie quietly handled the business of family life—keeping the budget, planning for her children’s education, making sure appointments were kept, and keeping everything running the way it should. She believed deeply in hard work and education and made sure her children understood the importance of both. In retirement, Jennie and Frank enjoyed traveling, fishing on the Ochlocknee River, visiting St. George Island, and most of all spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jennie loved playing baseball with them in the yard while Frank entertained them with drawings and stories. When Frank passed away in 2023, life was never quite the same for Jennie. Jennie was intelligent, determined, and caring, with a wonderful sense of humor and a collection of Southern sayings she could deliver at just the right moment. She was not one to sit still and could often be found outside working in her yard, planting flowers, raking leaves, or simply watching the birds. Jennie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank Willis Miller; her brother, J.S. Chandler; her sister, Eloise Summers; and her four half-brothers, Smitty, Don, Emory, and David Smith. She is survived by her sister, Lois Ann Avirett; her daughter, Kathy Corder; her son, Tom Miller (Anthony); her granddaughter, Kelly Corder; her grandson, Alex Corder (Molly); her great- grandsons, Alexander and Finn Corder; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. The family would like to thank the caregivers who supported Jennie during the last years of her life, especially Katie Dabney and Vallie Jackson, along with the staff at Westminster Oaks Memory Care. The residents and staff there became a sweet extended family who loved Jennie as their own. In addition to the thoughtful care she received each day, there was always music, laughter, games, and plenty of hugs. The family would also like to thank the compassionate staff at Big Bend Hospice for the comfort and kindness they showed to Jennie and to our family during her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308.

Jennie Miller

November 19, 1936 - March 17, 2026