Sallye Miller

(From Parker Mortuary)

Sallye Miller, 85, a woman of great faith and servant of our Lord Jesus Christ went into His presence on October 9, 2026 following a lengthy illness. She was born Sallye Sue Elliff on December 31, 1940 to Willard and Cleo Elliff of Joplin. She attended and graduated from Joplin High School in 1958 and from the former Joplin Junior College in 1960.

Sallye married the love of her life, Homer Miller of Joplin, on November 25, 1960. They shared over 60 years of marriage before his passing in 2020. They had two sons, Todd Miller of Rome, Maine, and Derek Miller of Joplin. Sallye devoted her life to the Lord, to her family, and to First Baptist Church. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend to many, and faithful servant of the church. As a stay at home mother, she cherished her time with her two boys. As they grew, she was employed at First National Bank, UMB Bank, and Edward Jones Investments. Sallye was also an active member of Bible Study Fellowship serving as a children's leader for many years.

Sallye attended First Baptist Church Joplin throughout her life, serving in many capacities. After her family, Sallye found her greatest joy in serving her Lord at FBC. Most people would know her as the church's organist for over 50 years, with her sister, Joyce Atteberry, sitting across from her at the piano for many of those years. Sallye was involved in nearly every aspect of FBC.

To know Sallye was to love her. Her contagious, loving spirit flowed from her deep faith, and she was the hands and feet of Jesus to many. Even as Sallye's memory faded, she continued to play the piano and recall hymns, blessing fellow residents in the memory care unit with her music. Sallye will always be remembered for her sweet spirit, gentle smile, and the grace of a true woman of God who saw the best in everyone.

Sallye was preceded in death by her parents Willard and Cleo Elliff, her husband Homer, and her daughter-in-law, Melissa Miller. She is survived by her sister, Joyce Atteberry, by her sons Todd and Derek, by Derek's wife Alyson, and by 4 grandchildren and one great-grandson: Emily Carter, her husband, Nathan, and son Nash; Luke Miller; and Ethan and Lydia Miller. 

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at the Arbors at Foxberry Terrace who lovingly cared for Sallye over the past four years. They are especially grateful to Karen Fritchey and Becky Taylor for their devotion, kindness, and faithful years of caring for Sallye. Their love and dedication will always be remembered and appreciated.

A memorial service to celebrate Sallye's life is planned at First Baptist Church, Joplin, 4128

S. Connecticut on Friday, October 23. Visitation at 1:00 PM. Funeral service at 2:00 PM with a graveside service to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Donations in memory of Sallye may be made to First Baptist Church, Joplin.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.