Charlotte Miller Obituary

Miller
Charlotte Miller
August 19, 1936
December 20, 2022

Charlotte Miller passed peacefully into the Lord's arms on December 20th, 2022. She was a devoted wife, mother, and accomplished artist whose life touched many people over her 86 years.
Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, the eldest daughter of Clinton and Aneva Curry, she grew up with sister Joyce, brother Clinton Jr, and brother Chris. She was an avid reader, excelled as a brilliant student, and worked as a bookkeeper during her high school and early college years. At Memphis State University, she met the love of her life Walter (Wally) Miller, beginning almost 63 years of marriage that ended with Wally's passing in 2019. Entering Air Force life in 1956 interrupted her college career and marked the start of 28 years of Charlotte's work as an Air Force spouse, which involved 16 moves, raising three children, and countless hours volunteering in base, community, and school activities. Chris, Heather and Evan were blessed and their lifetime success was propelled by her unfailing help and guidance, from teaching art classes at school to tutoring 8th grade algebra to being a den mother, soccer mom, Brownie leader and unfailing family correspondent. After Wally's Air Force retirement, she continued to support his community service with Colorado Springs, the Air Force Academy, and Rotary International.
Charlotte was an exceptional artist, drawing and painting from very early in her life. She developed a great talent and interest in art history, color theory, and all kinds of needlework, and completed her degree in Art History at Trinity University in 1978. She pioneered techniques of impressionistic fabric painting and applique fiber art and was a prodigious creator of display and wearable pieces, particularly her signature vests. She expressed her passion as an instructor for the Embroiderer's Guild of America, the Council of American Embroiders, and the National Academy of Needlearts, and was devoted to helping every student realize their capacity for creativity and design. She was a leader in these organizations, a gifted and frequent writer for their publications, and a consistent exhibitor in juried shows. She was honored with the 2002 National Academy of Needlearts Lifetime Achievement award. For many years, she led a group of talented friends and colleagues (called the Spider Women, after E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web") on an annual design retreat. Her creations and her teaching will resonate for many years.
She is survived by her brothers, Clint (Pat) Curry Jr and Chris (Pam) Curry; her children Chris (Rhonda) Miller, Heather (Dale) Collins, and Evan (Deb) Miller; and her grandchildren: Ryann (Cory) Ard, Caitlin Collins, Chase (Julie) Miller, Sky (Emily) Miller, Audra Miller, Shannon Collins, and Maleah Miller. Charlotte leaves a legacy of immense devotion and love for her family.
Celebration of life and funeral service at the Air Force Academy Cemetery Memorial Pavilion at 1:30 pm, Thursday, December 29th, with interment to follow (South Gate only to access the Academy).
Condolences may be sent to The Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Blvd, 719-358-5128, www.tsfs.co. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation at alzfdn.org.