M. Jean Miller

M. Jean Miller, 98, of Minneapolis, crossed the veil into eternity on September 13, 2024. She was at home surrounded by family and music. Mabel Jean was born on June 18, 1926 to G.H. (Konstantinos Katsaras) and Mabel Price Cachiaras on her mother's birthday. She was the second born in her family after Elizabeth, then Ruth and John. When she was quite young, she was used as a "demonstration" pupil for the music department at the University of Minnesota, and earned awards at their recitals. She played at a radio station, lodges, and in both Tuttle Elementary School PTA meetings and John Marshall High School, where she also sang. She was sometimes invited to fancy parties of the wealthy to play for their entertainment and where she would receive a cookie afterward. But to her fellow students, Jean was better known for playing the violin. She played in the school orchestra and was a member of the String Quintet. This group took the street car to play for special occasions in downtown Minneapolis. They also visited and played for settlement houses for underprivileged children, leading to her lifelong heartfelt compassion for the less fortunate. She gave her life to Christ when she was 8 years old. Because her father was sitting in another location and had been asked to offer the closing prayer, he learned only afterward that the child he prayed to win many souls to Christ was his own. Jean accompanied her father each Sunday when he ministered at the Howard Lake Church of Christ: playing the piano, teaching Sunday School, working with the youth, writing and directing church programs, and going calling with one of her parents and her brother, John. Jean graduated from Minnesota Bible College in 1948, where her father was both professor and Dean. She was blessed to hear many conversations when missionaries visited their home. In those days, she was one of the students who would travel to teach vacation Bible school and provide music for churches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana. Jean majored in Elementary Education at the University of Minnesota and taught 4th grade at Adair School in Robbinsdale. She married Calvin Miller in 1951 and worked alongside him in all of his ministries. Even while he was a student minister in Nevis, MN, she was his right hand. They traveled there for a long, full weekend of church work, then drove back Sunday night. When Calvin could no longer stay awake with their singing, Jean would take the wheel and they would arrive back at their Minneapolis efficiency apartment, complete with Murphy bed and a kitchen with 3 plate burners in time for him to take his Psychology class in the morning. Her brother, John and wife Dot lived on the 3rd floor and they had some very good times together. In 1953, she moved with Calvin to serve at New Market Christian Church in Indiana while Calvin attended seminary. She continued her usual avenues of serving in addition to giving inspirational talks to high school girls, teaching piano lessons and playing for revival meetings. Five of their six children were born there: Jim, Stephen (who died at birth), David, Connie, and Philip. The family moved to Worthington, MN in 1965 where they served at the Worthington Church of Christ. Jean continued her church work, substitute taught at Central Elementary School, and accompanied several community musicals. Their sixth child, Brett, was born in Worthington. In 1978, they moved to work with the Christian Church in Coon Rapids, MN, where she added Bible Bowl coach to her duties. Throughout all of their ministries and wherever she lived, Jean did what she did best. She provided music and taught. Her family, husband, and church were the love of her life. She was happiest when helping and teaching. Jean is survived by her children James (Sherry) of Hickory Hills, Illinois; David (Jeanine) of Coon Rapids, MN; Constance (Brian) of Roseville, MN; and Brett (Jill) of Little Canada, MN. Sixteen grandchildren and Thirteen great grandchildren have all benefited from her love of Jesus, the church, music, and them. She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin; sons Stephen and Philip; her parents, sisters Elizabeth and Ruth, and brother John. Her last word was, "Hallelujah". A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Southeast Christian Church, 960 15th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN. Visitation one hour prior to service.

Tributes

M. Jean Miller

June 18, 1926 - September 13, 2024

Tributes

M. Jean Miller

June 18, 1926 - September 13, 2024

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