Joan Clark Miller was born in Gonzales, Texas to John Spencer Clark and Edna Lord Clark on May 20,1937 and passed away peacefully in her home on December 25, 2025. Joan grew up in the smalltown of Cheapside, Texas, in a cherished family home that had sheltered generations before her and will continue to shelter generations after. A gifted student, she graduated from Gonzales High School in 1954 as the highest-ranking female in her class. She continued her education at Texas Wesleyan College, where she earned a bachelor's in music education with honors in 1958. It was in a music theory class that she met the love of her life, Bill Miller. They married on July 14, 1957, and had 64 beautiful years together. They welcomed two daughters, Sheri Jo in 1958 and Carol Ann in 1961.As an accomplished seamstress, Joan lovingly handmade both of her daughters' school clothes, prom dresses and wedding gowns. Together, Joan and Bill built a rich family life filled with camping adventures, music recitals, and countless cherished memories.

For fifty years, Joan shared her love of music as a private piano teacher, welcoming countless students into her home. She passed this gift to the next generation, teaching both her daughters and all six of her grandchildren to read music and play piano. Joan's musical ministry extended far beyond her home. At New World United Methodist Church, she and Bill served side by side for decades, building a legacy of worship through song. She directed children's choirs and handbell choirs, played piano and organ, handbells, and sang in the chancel choir. Her special gift was making every child feel they belonged in music—whether through a carefully crafted piano duet or a role perfectly suited to each child in one of the countless children's musicals she produced, everyone gets to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

Above all, family was Joan's greatest treasure. Her home was the family hub where we gathered around for special holidays, a sing along around the piano, hours of games in the living room, where Easter egg hunts delighted children in the yard, and where meals were lovingly prepared and shared on the deck. As her grandson Andy remembers, "Our grandparents' house held decades of love, laughter, and storytelling, and it was a safe haven for all of us." She will be remembered for the warm hugs that greeted all who crossed her threshold.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Sheri Womack and husband Bill, her sister, Opal Lee Gill and husband Denny; her grandchildren Sarah Duer and husband Jeff, Brian Womack and wife Sarah, Andy Midkiff and wife Morgan, Allison Fisher and husband Zach, Stephanie Cerda and husband Ramiro, and Steve Midkiff and wife Ginger; her nephews, John Gill and wife Hilary, David Gill and wife Lynn; and many beloved great-grandchildren who each brought her immense joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Spencer Clark and Edna Lord Clark, her beloved husband, Bill Miller; her daughter, Carol Midkiff Dunn; and niece, Susan Kathryn Gill.

A celebration of life service will be held on January 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM at New World United Methodist Church in Arlington, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New World UMC Music Ministry or the New World UMC Trustee Reserve Fund.