Mrs. Lois Jean Miller was the beloved daughter of Bethesta and Lillian Boulware. She was welcomed into their loving arms in the fall of 1936. She peacefully departed this life, at her home, on May 24, 2017. She was predeceased by both parents and her loving husband, Franklin Miller.

Mrs. Miller grew up in and attended public school in Columbia, South Carolina. She was a distinguished graduate of C.A. Johnson High School’s Class of 1954. Continuing her pursuit of academic excellence, she earned a Bachelor of Education from Allen University, graduating summa cum laude in three years. In 1958, she earned one of the highest test scores in the State of South Carolina on the National Teachers Examination. By 1974, she completed the requirements for a Master in Guidance and Counseling at the University of South Carolina. As her final educational endeavor, she completed the coursework for a Master Gardener certificate.

Her career as an educator began at Waverly Elementary School, where she taught fifth grade for over 10 years. After residing in Germany for several years, she returned home to work as a Guidance Counselor with the South Carolina Department of Youth Services, from where she retired.

She was an enthusiastic educator who challenged her students in a creative, educational environment. Her compassion for the welfare of her students was well known, and acknowledged, by both her students and their parents, years after they left the classroom and the Department of Youth Services. She was also a talented artist and pianist, often lending her talents to artistic endeavors throughout her work environments. After retirement, both she and her late husband used much of their free time to focus on spending quality time with their daughter and grandsons; participating in exercise classes; and extensive perennial gardening.

“Sweetie”, as she was fondly known by those closest to her, was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who was also sought out by her cousins, nieces and nephews for nurturance, guidance and counsel.

Mrs. Miller leaves to mourn her passing: her devoted and loving daughter, Levette Miller Thompson; two grandsons, Nicholas and Joshua Thompson; a great grandson, Nicholas Thompson, Jr.; and a host of other loving relatives and caring friends who will forever cherish her memory.