Virginia Charlene Miller
1939 – 2023
Virginia “Charlene” Miller, a beloved wife and mother, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2023 at the age of 84. Born in Konawa, Oklahoma on May 10, 1939, Charlene was the daughter of Charles Thomas Williams and Grace Jane Sparks Williams. She grew up alongside her older sister, Wanda Christine Williams Tucker. The family moved to Oklahoma City in 1945 and she graduated from John Marshall High School in 1957. Following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, Charlene has been a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.
Charlene’s life took a momentous turn when she began to attend the 36th and Prospect Church of Christ where she met the love of her life, Larry Calvin Miller, as a Junior in high school. They were married on July 17, 1959, embarking on a lifelong journey together that would be marked by devotion and unwavering support for one another. They would go on to have a daughter, Mindy Jane Miller in 1962 and their son, Martin Larry Miller in 1967. Although she poured her heart and soul into raising both of her children, Charlene’s life’s mission was being the main caretaker and constant companion for Marty in navigating his life with Cerebral Palsy. Charlene was a loving grandmother to six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
In 1977, Charlene, Larry, and their children joined the Edmond Church of Christ. She co-led divorce recovery groups with Larry. They were an important part of classes such as the Overcomers, the Young Families, and the Prime Time. She taught bible class for children in various age groups. Charlene enjoyed her role as an elder’s wife. She also made hundreds of chicken pies and countless snicker-doodles for her church family and neighbors.
Charlene studied Psychology and Sociology at UCO. She and Larry sold real estate starting in 1993 with Abide, later to become Prudential Realty, where they were named Rookies of the Year. She knitted scarfs, purses, and dish cloths. Charlene was a meticulous housekeeper. She valued cleanliness and was always ready to remind people to wash their hands. She was part of the welcoming committee for her neighborhood HOA and volunteered at Edmond Neighborhood Alliance events. She sent cards to many people in her family, friends, and congregation. Charlene was a builder of relationships and her warm and inviting nature made everyone around her feel a part of her world.
Charlene loved the family dogs, especially Sugar Bear and Chloe, and although she also loved Honey Bear, she bit Charlene their first day together. Charlene was a rather reluctant traveler with Larry and Marty where they built beautiful memories. However, she would almost always have the threesome return a day or two early, as there was no place she cherished more than the comfort of her own home.
Charlene will be remembered for her kindness and compassion by her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to “In Search of The Lord’s Way -Television Ministries.”
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home. Family will be present to greet friends and guests from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home.
Services will be held Friday, July 7, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Edmond Church of Christ. Interment is to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, Oklahoma.
To view the live stream of the service please use the following link Funeral for Charlene Miller – YouTube
Larry, Mindy, Mom was heartbroken to hear the news about Charlene. She was a close friend when they were younger, and a blessing to Dorothy Arensmeier, who mom also adored. Sending our love and praying that God comforts you. Missy Peck, Anita Young
Dear Anita and Missy, Charlene thought so much of you and talked so often about the overnight sleepovers when you two were teenagers. Your Mother and Dad were so kind by hosting her wedding shower and the many wonderful visits over the years. Our families are eternally linked in Christian love and life long involvements. We doubled dated with you and Jerry the night I gave Charlene her engagement ring some 60+ years ago. Mary’s mother Dorothy and Charlene had a special relationship and visited many a time on the phone. Love Larry
Charlene was the dearest of friends since 1957. Our husbands were best friends and through the years we made many wonderful memories together. She was the sweetest, kindest, most thoughtful person and I treasured her friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with Larry, Marty and Mindy with much love.
Ruth Ann Johnson
Dear Ruth Ann, your thoughts and prayers are so appreciated as we take this journey moving forward with our separation from Charlene. Your example of courage during the passing of Rich and the subsequent following years has helped me so much as I start down this path. Charlene held yours and Rich’s friendship very special in her heart that developed ever since we doubled dated in high school.
Charlene was so kind and friendly. She took great care of her family. I enjoyed chatting with her when she came to the Edmond History Museum to drop off Marty every week. I was always amazed at her youthfulness and consideration of others. Wishing the family peace.
Dear Amy, you have been such a good friend to Marty and Charlene at the Museum . Thank you so much.
Larry and Marty,
You are in our thoughts during this difficult time. We will always remember Charlene and her sweet voice as she greeted people at the door before early service at Edmond Church of Christ.
Sincerely,
David and Robin Beam
Charlene was a wonderful woman to me. She always greeted me with a hug and a smile. She was the sweetest, most kind, thoughtful and loving person. When I heard the news about Charlene, I couldn’t believe it and it made me cry. I am so sorry for your loss. I know in our memories and in our hearts, she will always be with us. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Larry and the family. Love You All and God Bless You, Mary Carney
Charlene was a wonderful and friendly Christian lady. She always had a smile on her face and interested in other people. I got to give her a hug recently and will always remember her smiling face.
Jim and I loved her so very much! Thankful for your family.
Charlene was one of the sweetest ladies Iwe have ever known. What a blessing to have known her. She will be missed so much. We are keeping her family in our prayers
Larry and Marty, I am so sorry for your loss. Charlene was so kind and sweet to me and my family. She was a wonderful Christian lady and very special to me and my grandson. Galatians 5:22 will always spark a memory of Charlene.
I will always remember Charlene in a positive way. When I talked to Charlene I felt it was always about me and not her!
I don’t remember any criticism, condemning or complaining from Charlene.
God bless you and your family
Larry, you and Charlene have always been a source of encouragement for the two of us in all things related to God, Church and family. Charlene was truly a blessing. Her smile and always warm greeting, with a hug, will be greatly missed. We know that God will be with you and the family, comforting you all as you go through this time of loss.
In Christian love,
Floyd and Sharon Vaulner