Virginia Louis Abel Miller was born in Jackson, MS. on August 20, 1946 to the late Robert J. Abel and Annie Lou Turnage Abel. She grew up there and graduated from Forest Hill High School. She later received her BA from Mississippi College in Voice and Performing Arts. On August 20, l969, she married Hillman Barlow (HB) Miller from Mendenhall. They became the parents of one son, Alex Miller. Virginia ultimately taught herself piano and became a major vocalist, choir member and Church musician over her many years of marriage to Rev. HB Miller, a Methodist minister. Her earliest performances were at St. Andrews Cathedral in Jackson, where her Church membership always remained and where she was lead soloist in many productions. She also served as a semi-professional performer. An adult soprano, her voice was that of an Angel! A rugged individualist and independent thinker, Virginia held her own in her world which was riddled with many physical disabilities the last 30 years. She never let a wheel chair stop her from serving and performing. Virginia was an avid reader, loved classical music as well as Church music and was always dressed to the 9’s including her multitude of classical hats.
A Service of Death and Resurrection will take place at 2 PM Saturday, November 7, 2026 in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Okolona with her husband, Rev. H.B. Miller officiating. Private burial will be in the Abel family plot in Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson. Visitation will be from 1:30-service time on Saturday only. Holland Funeral Directors-Okolona is in charge of arrangements.
Virginia is survived by her husband, H.B. Miller; her son, Alex Miller (Beka) and three grandchildren, Anya, Fiona and John Hillman Miller.
Memorials may be made to UMCOR, c/o Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church, 320 Briarwood Drive, Jackson, MS 39206. Condolence may be posted on Virginia’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.
