Phyllis Hedrick Miller

Lenoir – Phyllis Hedrick Miller passed away on December 23, 2021. She was born in Caldwell County on October 7, 1936, the youngest of three daughters of the late Dr. Clyde R. Hedrick and Stella Lamkin Hedrick. She was also preceded in death by her husband John D. Miller and her sister Theresa Hedrick Sherman. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her degree in X-Ray technology from Bowman Gray. She worked for many years in her father’s medical practice. After his passing, she pursued a second career in education at Lower Creek Elementary School as a PE and Reading teacher, as well as a teacher’s assistant. She was a lifelong member of Zion Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ having met her husband John there while singing in the choir. She served as an elder, deacon, Sunday School teacher, president of the Women’s Guild and member of the Church Consistory. Phyllis enjoyed music supporting and advocating for all arts in Caldwell County. She never missed a concert, whether a high school band or her cherished Harper Band. She served on the Harper School of Music Scholarship Committee and the Loving Lenoir steering committee. She was a proud member of the Lenoir High School Class of 1954 and enjoyed gathering with her classmates. Most importantly, she loved her family and especially adored her grandchildren. She looked forward to summer visits with extended family at Lake Waccamaw, NC and faithfully corresponded with loved ones far and wide. She is survived by her son, John Hedrick Miller and wife, Beth of Rutherfordton, NC and their children, John Thomas Miller and wife, Emma of Hopkins, MN and Sarah Lindsey Miller Angry and husband, Reggie of Durham, NC; daughter, Ann Miller Settlemyre and husband, Brad and their daughter, Emma Lynn Settlemyre of Lenoir, NC; her sister, Marlene Hedrick Neisler of Lake Waccamaw, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 26, 2021 at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ in Lenoir with Reverend Kay Smith and Reverend Kathy Wood officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. The family respectfully requests that face coverings be worn during the service. A private burial will be held at Blue Ridge Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Zion Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ, 1019 College Avenue, SW, Lenoir, NC28645.