The family of Shirley D. Miller, 79, of Battle Creek, Michigan is saddened to announce that she passed on September 9 peacefully at home.

Shirley was born to parents Josh and Ardene Jenkins on November 10, 1944 in Tennessee; the family later moved to the Battle Creek area when Shirley was a young girl. As a former military wife Shirley enjoyed living in many different places both domestically and abroad, but she was always proud to call Battle Creek home. In 1980 Shirley married Charles (Charley) Miller and they enjoyed a wonderful abundant life together until his passing in 2020. Family was one of the greatest joys of Shirley’s life and she will be fondly remembered for the traditions she held dearly; finding just the right book that she and her grandchildren could enjoy together, and hosting a Christmas Eve event that was filled with laughter, love, and family favorites of seven-layer candy, fudge, and sautéed shrimp. One of the things her family and friends loved most about her was her sharp wit and gracious spirit. Her love language was giving personalized gifts and there wasn’t a holiday or occasion that happened that didn’t have an overfilled treat bag waiting on the kitchen table for her grandchildren.

Over the years Shirley enjoyed creating many wonderful meals for her family; delighting in browsing through her many cookbooks or Bon Appetit magazines to find a special recipe she wanted to try. Her husband was always happy to be her taste tester, often returning to the kitchen one or two more times “just to be sure.” She was also a self- taught master gardener, and was often found tinkering in her gardens well into the evening hours.

Shirley is survived by daughters Maria (Anthony) Markos, and Lori Sunie; step-daughters Dayna (Dan) Embury, Christine (Jack) Behrens, and Kathleen Miller (Jim); grandchildren Nate (Janae) Wilson, Heather Wilson, Evan Markos, Brianne Sunie (Jereme), Areanna Bivens, Cora Kline, Brenden Sunie, Samantha Sunie, Danika Sunie and special grandson Zach Eib; five great-grandchildren; nieces and a nephew, a treasured cousin Theresa, special friends Bill &Terrie, and her favorite attorney John.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charley, son Micheal Sunie, step-son Joel Miller, parents, and brothers.

Shirley’s family bows in deep appreciation to each individual who has played a role in lifting us up as our Mom/Grandma bravely and courageously fought an insidious progressive disease. There have been many times your kindness, care, and concern have been a much-needed lifeline.

In accordance with her wishes, Shirley has donated her brain tissue to the Brain Bank of Mayo Clinic in the hopes it will help find a cure for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Baxter Funeral Home has been entrusted with her cremation and a private Celebration of Life is planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family would like to suggest a donation to The Arbor Day Foundation, South Michigan Food Bank, S.A.F.E. Place, Sexual Assault Services of Bronson Battle Creek, or your favorite local charity.