Sandra Miller Obituary

Our beloved Mom and Nini, Sandra Gene "Genie" Miller passed from this life on Friday August 1, 2025.

Genie was born September 1, 1940 at her grandmother's house in Brookesmith, Texas to Thomas Dewey and Thelma Beatrice (Means) Smith. Genie grew up working in the family-owned drive-in restaurants in Lamesa, where her parents owned Super Dog Drive In, before moving to Big Spring in 1956 where they owned the Circle J Drive In. She graduated from Big Spring High School and Howard College.

Genie married Jim Crooks in 1963. They had two children, Matt and Kathleen. Although Genie and Jim divorced, they maintained a relationship of mutual respect. Genie dedicated her life to raising her kids as a single mother until her kids were grown. She was always present in whatever activities they participated in. Genie then met the love of her life, Joel Miller, while they were both working at Sid Richardson Carbon Black Company. They were married December 25, 1988.

Genie was a talented artist. She enjoyed painting, sewing, and sculpting with clay, among many other things. Genie and Joel loved going to craft shows where they sold the crafts they made. Following their retirement from Sid Richardson, they opened Ol' Friends Antiques. For the next few years, they enjoyed traveling around the country buying items for the store. It didn't matter what they were doing, as long as they were together, and the more family they had around the happier they were. When Joel became a pastor, Genie was right there beside him. No matter what happened in their life, their unwavering faith and love was always evident. Genie and Joel were blessed with 36 wonderful years together before Joel preceded her in death by a short 96 days.

Genie was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother James William Smith and her sister Tommie Elizabeth Billingsley.

Genie is survived by her four children: Susan Rogers and her husband Carl, Robert Miller and his wife Dawn, Matt Crooks and his wife Melissa, and Kathleen Crooks, six grandchildren: Kristen Upchurch and her husband Mitch, Tyler Johnson and his girlfriend Jayme, Daniel Crooks, Ethan Crooks and his wife Hannah, Kelly Miller and Riley Crooks, and three great grandchildren: Shiloh, Sadie, and John Miles Crooks.

A celebration of Genie's life will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday August 16, 2025 at Myers and Smith Funeral Home with Pastor Ricky Carstensen, First Methodist Church, officiating.

Arrangements are by Myers & Smith Funeral Home. Pay your respects online at www.myersandsmith.com.