Kay Miller

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

On July 3rd, 2022, Kay Miller slipped into the peace of eternity after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Karalee Sue Miller (Pearson) was born on January 5th, 1944 in Joplin, Missouri to Paul L. and Jerry C. Pearson. She had two brothers, Paul and Timothy. 

Kay graduated from Carterville High School in 1962 where she was captain of the cheerleading squad, editor of the school paper, and valedictorian of her class. 

After high school, Karalee went on to Joplin Junior College, graduating in 1964 and then to Pittsburg State University where she graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

Her first job upon graduation was with the Joplin School System as a first-grade teacher. This new found occupation, along with its $4000 per year salary, allowed her to purchase her first car, a new 1966 Ford Mustang. 

Later, she would go on to also teach in the Webb City School System including teaching first grade in the classroom next to her son’s who was attending the other first grade class in the building.

In 1968, Karalee married Donald T. Miller of Joplin. The couple was married in the front room of Kay’s parent’s home in Carterville. They went on to have two children, Donald T. Miller II in 1970 and Molly K. Miller in 1977. 

After marriage, she worked in the office of Dr. Donald R. Patterson, MD in Joplin until she decided to return home and pursue the challenges of being a full-time mother. 

Later in her professional life, Kay and her husband Don owned and operated Miller’s Furniture in Carthage for a total of 27 years. After this, she returned home and continued her nurturing ways as a mother to growing children and eventually as a grandmother. In her faith life, Kay was a member of the Carterville Christian Church.

Karalee is survived by her husband Don of Webb City, her son Don II of Rogersville, his wife Kelley and their twin girls, Addison and Alexandra. Also, by her daughter Molly Gilbert of Carthage, her husband Zach, and their children Kaylyn and Lincoln. Additional survivors include her brother Paul Pearson III of Carterville and his wife Betty, another brother, Timothy Pearson of Carterville and his husband James Josue, and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Miller and family of Pahrump, Nevada. It is also very important to note that Kay had a wealth of friends and “adopted” kids from all around who loved her and will miss her dearly. When time allowed, she loved to watch the St. Louis Cardinals.

Kay had a heart for those less fortunate than her and for those who were sick and hurting. She often donated to important causes like the Shriner’s Charities and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She never met a stranger and will always be remembered for her love, laughter, and generosity. May she rest in eternal peace in the loving arms of her savior Christ Jesus.
Special Notes:
• Due to the heat, the Miller Family requests that attire at the services be casual. As her dear daughter said, “just dress like you were coning to Kay Kay's house”.
• In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital via Hedge–Lewis–Goodwin Funeral Home.

Thank you all for your kindness, love, and support through the many years. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless and keep you all of the days of your life...

Funeral services are 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 11, 2022, at Carterville Christian Church with burial to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.