Sue Garrard Miller

Laura Sue Garrard Miller, 83, passed away on Feb 28, 2024, at Hospice of the Upstate in Anderson, SC, following several years of declining health. Sue was born on August 29, 1940, in Washington, GA, to the late Joseph Smith Garrard and Ruth Newsome Garrard.

Sue was an elementary school teacher for over thirty years, spending the majority of her tenure as a fourth grade teacher. She retired fairly young, and no one ever heard her complain about missing the schoolroom. Outside the classroom, she was passionate about her garden and yard, spending as much time as possible throughout the summer in the great outdoors. In addition to gardening, she enjoyed solving her daily Jumble and Sudoku puzzles, working jigsaw puzzles, baking, browsing at thrift stores and auctions, reading a good book, going to any beach she could find, and supporting her children and husband in all their activities. While there may not be an official record, she possibly watched far more baseball games than the average person as she followed her husband’s and sons’ teams over several states. In her later years, she became an avid Duke basketball fan, for reasons her family still hasn’t figured out, but she definitely loved keeping up with them!

In addition to her parents, Sue was preceded in death by her husband of over 41 years, Clyde Miller. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Sanford Garrard and Randolph Garrard, and a nephew, Randy Garrard.

Sue is survived by her children: Ted Miller (Joy), Joe Miller (Laurie), and Laura Miller (Randy Orange). She is also survived by her grandchildren Clayton Miller (Emily), Lauren Miller Goldman (Austin), Tyler Miller, Jake Miller, Caleb Mitchell, Nathan Mitchell, and Ruthanne Mitchell; three great grandchildren Mabry Miller, Graham Goldman, and Sara Lee Goldman. She also leaves behind two sisters, Mary Ann Garrard and Martha Jo Collins (Mark) and one brother, David Garrard (Beth), as well as a passel of nieces, nephews, and great nieces/nephews. Finally, she is survived by her dear friend of 45 years, Kim Kroening BaRoss (John), who somehow managed to maintain their best friend status through many moves and life changes.

A celebration of life will be held at Smyrna Community Church (100 S Smyrna Church Rd, Washington, GA) at 2pm on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Family will receive visitors an hour prior to service, 1pm on March 3, 2024. Burial will be immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to either Savannah AMBUCS P O Box 15111 Savannah, Ga 31416 or Smyrna Church Cemetery Fund.

Hopkins Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.