On August 4, 2025, Verna Ann Miller, 87, of Newport, Arkansas, died. Eva (Goodwin) and Joe Miller welcomed her into the world on June 16, 1938, in Newport.
Ann, who graduated from Newport High School in 1956, immediately started working at Shannon Ritter Drug Store. She soon started working as a switchboard operator at Southwestern Bell in Newport. She retired from SWB after 37 years and many miles of traveling back and forth to Jonesboro, AR, and assumed her most significant position to date. Ann dedicated numerous hours to the Unity Health Harris Auxiliary and the Harris Hospital Auxiliary. For her years of work, she was recognized and honored with numerous accolades. She developed a lifelong friendship with the Pink Ladies and they were more like sisters. For many years, she was the president and secretary of the local EHC club. She liked to work outside with her flowers and go bowling.
Auntie, as her family lovingly nicknamed her, was always up for an adventure! Ann was prepared when you ordered, “Go.” She loved to travel, and she frequently returned from her trips to Hawaii, Alaska, London, and other places with interesting mementos (and magnets)! Ann epitomized what it meant to be a servant of the Lord and was a devout Christian. She was incredibly affectionate, often hugging you and declaring her love for you. Her favorite location to be was around family and friends.
Ann’s parents passed away before her. Her cherished brother Nicky Jo, his wife Linda, their nephews Scott and Joey Miller, their wife Kristi, their great niece Karli Jo Miller, and their great nephew Max Miller, all of whom live in Newport, survive her. Dorothy Travis, Betty Bell, and Clara Nelson were three of Ann’s closest friends.
Bro. Bill Chambers will officiate the graveside services at Watson Cemetery on Thursday, August 7th at 10 AM.
Nicky Miller, Joey Miller, Scott Miller, Mickey Doyle, Doug Cockrill, and Mark Bowen are honored to be pallbearers. The ladies of Ms. Monk Hinkle’s Sunday School class from Immanuel Baptist are honorary pallbearers.
The family would especially want to thank the staff of The Blossoms at White River, as well as all the other caregivers who looked after Ann and helped her feel special. You were so unique, Kaylin. May you all be blessed by God.
Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home made the arrangements.
