Yvonne Janet Miller

Yvonne Janet (Pursley) Miller passed away April 21, 2021 surrounded by loving family. She was born on September 11, 1937 to William J.B. Pursley and Inez (Guidry) Pursley in Odin, IL. She married Roy Joe Miller on March 3, 1956, he preceded her in death in 2010.

Yvonne retired after 25 years as a cook for Centralia City School, feeding students at Washington Elementary and Centralia Junior High. In retirement, she continued to work with children as a beloved Foster Grandparent at Headstart for 5 years.

Yvonne was active as a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ of Centralia for over 50 years, serving in many roles in the CWF. She was president of the PTA, a chairperson in the Women’s Auxiliary of the Loyal Order of the Moose. She was an avid Centralia High School Band Parent and Orphan fan, and a D.A.R.E. sponsor.

Yvonne was best known as a talented artist in several mediums. Her hand painted folk art decorated, gourds, woodcuts, quilting, and canvas. In 1996, she was awarded the distinction of Illinois Gourd Master. Her work is known across the country; and she shared her gifts teaching tole and gourd painting to others. Her beautiful gardens were featured on the Garden Tour several times. Yvonne was an Avon Lady and loved to share their products with her grateful customers. She and Roy enjoyed fishing and were known for their epic fish frys.

Survivors include children, Leela Devi (Austin Hallock) of Corvallis, OR, Jeffery (Phyllis) Miller of Centralia, Julie Miller of Fort Wayne, IN, and U.S. Army Major Ret. Scott Miller of Spanaway, WA; her pride and joy, grandchildren, Neil (Tina) Miller, Nicole (Brian) Miller, Helena Miller, and Rebecca Miller; 4 adorable great-grandchildren; sister, Judy Richardson of Mt. Vernon; brother, Edward Pursley of Centralia; many nieces and nephews, and many cousins on her mother’s side of the family in Louisiana.

Yvonne was preceded in death by both her parents; sister, Billy Lou Gaurisco; and brother, Ted Pursley.

Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Yvonne Miller with arrangements. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, April 26, 2021 at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Centralia with Rev Paula Comper officiating. A visitation time to offer condolences to the family will be held from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service on Monday at the church, where those in attendance will be asked to wear a mask and the number of people in the church at one time will be limited. Memorials may be made in Yvonne’s honor to the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ. Online condolences and memories of Yvonne may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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