Jean Marie Miller was born in Somerville, TN on November 30, 1940 as middle child to the Union of Rosie Murphy Bell and Jewel Bell, Sr. She accepted Christ at an early age at Smith Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Somerville, TN.
Jean graduated from Allen White High School in Whiteville,TN in 1958. She received her Associates Degree in Business from Southwest Community College.
On June 12, 1958 Jean married Wendel Miller, Sr. in holy matrimony and to this Union they had five children.
Jean was a firm believer in working hard and she made history in Hardeman County. She was the first black secretary for Bolivar Elementary. She was also the first black female hired to do clerical work at The Tennessee Tanning Co. in Bolivar, TN. She was a licensed cosmetologist and had a special eye for style. In her spare she enjoyed gardening, story telling with family, thrifting and traveling.
After relocating to Memphis, TN Jean became a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where she enjoyed attending Sunday School.
Jean had a passion for cooking and preparing food. She attended Sheffield Vocational Technical Center where she received her catering certification in 1986. Throughout her years she was a great caretaker for friends and family.
She was preceded in death by: Mother Rosie Murphy Bell, Father Jewel Bell, Sr. Three brothers Felix Bell, Jewel Bell, Trent Bell, and one sister Apriel Bell.
She leaves to cherish her memory five loving children Raymond (Martha) Miller, Wendel (Jill) Miller, Terry (Tonia) Miller, Sondra Miller Owens, and Carlos Miller. Sisters Mozella (Aubrey)Dotson, Pinkie Windless, and Sharon Jones. Brothers Rev. Benjamin (Anne) Bell, Stanley Bell, and Ralph Bell. Two sister-in-laws Eunice King Bell, and Helen Mathis Bell. One
Aunt Magnolia Bell and One Uncle Isaiah Dewitt. Fifteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
