Joyce “Blue Eyes” Miller was born May 16, 1938 and passed away Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021 at the age of 83. She was a loving mother of six children and the daughter of the late Henry and Anita Kinney. She was raised in Choupique, a beautiful blue eyed blonde on a horse and enjoyed the ranch lifestyle. She was the LHRA All Around Cowgirl for four consecutive years and the LHR Queen for several years. She went on to attend McNeese and served on the homecoming court. She was a member of the Rodeo Team that won National honors and she was inducted into the McNeese Rodeo Team Hall of Fame in 2001.
She married the man that pursued her, Jim Miller. They moved to DeQuincy to open Miller Livestock in 1963, had six beautiful children (as she would say) and carried on for many years making memories along with divorce and tragedies… She overcame such and was the second woman hired at LCIS and earned the title of Master Sergeant NOT just Sergeant; she would correct you every time. She retired after twenty years of service and she was very proud of it. Great job MOM!!.
She had energy about her that made you love what you saw, just don’t mess with her children! She did not like to ask for help but always knew her children were there for her. She loved people and was a huge Willie Nelson fan. She spoke her mind and loved dearly!! DeQuincy became her home and where she raised her family and where she made many friends. Her roots will always be that Sulphur Cowgirl known as “Blue Eyes”. Her children were blessed to care for her in their homes for a couple of years and she passed away in a private medical apartment with her family by her side.
She is survived by her loving children, Bridget Armistead (Randy) of Moss Bluff, Shirley Sweat (Joey) of DeQuincy, Cindy Milner (Jerry) of Moss Bluff and Clay Miller of DeQuincy; nine grandchildren, Jeff, Stacey, Fancy, Lacey, Henry, Dylan, Layton, Ben and Taylor; and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Henry Kinney, Jr.
She was preceded in death by her beloved sons, Hank, Jay; grandchildren, Devaney Miller Benton and Quinton Jay Miller; the father of her children, Jim; her parents, Henry and Anita Kinney; sister, Jane Nesmith; and brother, Edward Lee Kinney.
The family received friends from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, with a Rosary being said at 6 p.m. The funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 24. The visitation and funeral service were held at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home in DeQuincy. Interment followed at Perkins Cemetery in DeQuincy.
Arrangements were handled by Riley Smith and Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
