Joan Van Heiningen Miller passed away on October 3, 2018 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 84 years old. With her characteristic grace, hope, and sense of humor, she bravely faced a difficult battle with several health issues in recent years.
Joan Van Heiningen was born June 9, 1934, daughter of John Van Heiningen and May Walters. She graduated from Murray High School in Murray, UT and received an undergraduate degree in education from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She was a Drum Majorette for both her high school (the Marching Smelterites) and the University of Utah (the Marching Utes) marching bands.
After college she moved to San Diego, CA where she met and married James Edward Miller of the United States Marine Corps. After many postings and adventures they settled in Fairfax Station, VA. She later earned an Ed.D. in Psychology and changed careers from school teacher to school psychologist in the Fairfax County Virginia school system.
Joan enjoyed playing bridge, reading, and spending time with her daughter, two dogs, and parrot. Joan was an instant friend to all she met.
She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Jami Lyn Miller of Nashville, TN and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Jacqueline Lee, and her son James Bradley, as well as her mother May Walters Van Heiningen Lemon, father John Van Heiningen, and sister Shirley Van Heiningen Garland.
As she passes from mortality she will be remembered with love and gladness by those lucky enough to have known and loved her, and we look forward to a joyful reunion with her in the hereafter.
Her funeral service will be held Friday, October 12th at 1:00 PM at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT 84092. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, at bestfriends.org or to your local animal shelter. In accordance with her wishes, there will be a short memorial service and dedication.
