Verna Ann Miller, age 87, of Newport, Arkansas, passed away on August 4, 2025. She was born in Newport on June 16, 1938, to Eva (Goodwin ) and Joe Miller.
Ann was a member of the Newport High School Class of 1956 and went right to work soon after graduation at Shannon Ritter Drug Store. Soon after, she began working at Southwestern Bell in Newport as a switchboard operator. After 37 years and many miles back and forth to Jonesboro, AR, she retired from SWB and stepped into her most important role yet. Ann gave countless hours of service to the Harris Hospital Auxiliary and also the Unity Health Harris Auxiliary. She received many awards and recognitions for her years of service. She and the “Pink Ladies” were more like sisters and formed a bond that lasted for a lifetime. She served the local EHC club, holding titles as President and Secretary for many years. She enjoyed bowling and working outside with her flowers.
“Auntie”, as affectionately called by her family, was always ready for a trip! When you said GO, Ann was ready. She enjoyed traveling and often brought cool souvenirs (and magnets) back from her adventures to Hawaii, Alaska, London, and more! Ann was a Christian through and through and embodied what it meant to be a servant for the Lord. She loved big, always giving out hugs and telling you that she loved you. Surrounded by family and friends was her favorite place to be.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her beloved brother, Nicky Jo and wife Linda, nephews Scott Miller and Joey Miller, along with wife Kristi, great niece Karli Jo Miller and great nephew Max Miller, all of Newport. Ann had very special friends, Dorothy Travis, Clara Nelson, and Betty Bell, who were dear to her.
Graveside services will be on Thursday, August 7th, at 10 AM at Watson Cemetery with Bro. Bill Chambers officiating.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Nicky Miller, Joey Miller, Scott Miller, Mickey Doyle, Doug Cockrill, and Mark Bowen. Honorary pallbearers are the ladies of Ms. Monk Hinkle’s Sunday School Class from Immanuel Baptist.
The family wishes to thank all the many caregivers who took care of Ann and made her feel special, especially the staff of The Blossoms at White River. Kaylin, you were so special. May God bless each of you.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
