It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Miller, who was called home on Monday, June 1, 2026, in Centralia, Illinois. Barbara was born on Wednesday, July 1, 1942, in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Carl and E. Maxine (Markham) Burgess. On March 11, 1961, she married Clifford Miller, and he survives.
A lifelong resident of Centralia, Barbara was a proud graduate of Centralia High School. She went on to touch the lives of many through her 10-year career with AM Vets, and previously as an employee of Illinois Bell Telephone and Linkon’s Auto Supply Store. Her commitment to service was also evident in her role as a Girl Scout leader for many years. A woman of strong Christian faith, she was a cherished member of the Calumet Street Christian Church.
Barbara had a knack for finding joy in the simple things—she was an avid reader, a frequent visitor of garage sales, and a talented crocheter. Her family fondly remembers her coconut cream pies, a sweet treat often requested by those fortunate enough to have tasted them. Above all, her greatest joy was caring for her family, whom she cherished deeply.
Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, Clifford Miller; her loving children, Vicky Benjamin and her husband Danny, and Doug Miller and his wife Jean. She also leaves behind her brother, Jimmy Burgess; brother-in-law, Brad Miller and his wife Theresa; and sisters-in-law, Melba Edmundson, Ethel Wright, Benita Peddicord, and Connie Bonifacius and her husband Kevin. Her legacy lives on in her grandchildren: Alan Miller, Kurtis Miller, Andrew Miller, Kira Richardson, Kaasha Griffin, Karissa Benjamin, Victor Jenkins, Wyatt Jenkins, Tasha Marcum, Stephanie Miller, Tiffany Sandoval, and Amy Vu, along with her 22 great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Eunice Maxine Burgess; two children, Mark Miller and Kim Jenkins; and brothers-in-law, Harry “Bud” Miller and his wife Kathy, Donald Miller, Paul Wright, Margel Peddicord, and Jerry Edmundson.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Barbara’s life and legacy during visitation on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, Centralia, Illinois and also Monday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the Funeral Home. Her life will be honored in a funeral service on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM with Pastor Anthony Sweeney officiating. Burial will follow at Little Grove Cemetery in rural Dix, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Little Grove Cemetery Association and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, IL 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Barbara’s family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the funeral home Facebook page. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Barbara’s warmth, faith, and dedication to her family will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.
