Barbara E. Miller, 64, passed away peacefully in the presence of her husband and daughter at home August 26, 2021. Barbara was born January 9, 1957 in Bryan, Texas, the daughter of Andrew and Lola Vavra.
Barbara graduated from Bryan High School, when she met her lifetime sweetheart and future husband, Thomas "Tommy" Miller at Perry's store. They celebrated 46 glorious years of marriage in February. She worked at Anco Insurance for 40 years, where she gained an incredible circle of friends.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a dear sister, (Florence Wilder). Surviving in addition to her husband, are her daughter (Jennifer Manna), her husband (Eric Manna), and grandson (Maxwell Carter Manna). Her brothers (John Vavra) and his wife (Pat Vavra), Alvin Vavra and his two sons (Robert and Michael Vavra). Her beloved niece (Jo Lynn Dunn), and her precious son (Riley Dunn), and dear nephew (Jason Wilder), and his wife (Amanda) and their precious children (Collin, Jacob, and Ivy Wilder).
Barbara who went by the nickname "Babs" was a selfless, devoted daughter, wife, mother, and Granna to her, as she unabashedly announced, favorite Max. Never did a Christmas go by without Max having a stocking (two stockings in fact) overfilled with toys and books galore. Granna loved her grandson fiercely and proudly; the two of them shared an ineffable bond, a beautiful bond beyond measure.
Babs' favorite hobby (besides spoiling her grandson) was sitting on the porch in Rockport, cup of coffee in hand, taking in the sounds of the rippling waves and faint calls of seagulls swooping along the coastline. Her happy place, and place of peace where she would hunt for seashells to collect.
The influence she had in this world due to her compassion, firecracker personability and sense of humor, as well as her selfless devotion and service to family, friends, and strangers will be remembered always. She loved the works of Robert Frost and Elizabeth Barret Browning. So pure and so cherished, it is these lines of Robert Frost that explain her end on this Earth, as truly, "nothing gold can stay".
Babs very much enjoyed Tuesday Night Supper Club with friends, and her Sunday's spent with the Silver and Light Sunday School class at Central Baptist Church.
Babs was an avid and incredibly talented baker and cook. Her kind acts of service included baking desserts and preparing meals for others. At the drop of hat, she would carry corn chowder, an enormous spaghetti dinner (her famous garlic bread included) and/or homemade jelly or pickles to a family/friends' home to brighten their spirits. She put herself very last, making incomprehensible sacrifices for those she loved. This selflessness was her greatest joy in life. Her "ideal grace" is what her loved ones will forever remember her by.
A service of remembrance will be held at 1:00 pm at Hillier Funeral Home of Bryan. Flowers (light pink was her favorite color) may be sent to Hillier Funeral Home of Bryan, 2301 E. 29th St., Bryan TX 77802. Those wishing to remember Barbara in a special way may make a donation in her memory to Hospice of Brazos Valley.