Daurice E. Miller, 84, Oneonta; ‘Amazing’ Pastor’s Wife

ONEONTA – Daurice E. Miller, 84, described as “an amazing pastor’s wife” as she served with her husband Willard at churches in Toddsville, Springfield Center, Milford and Otego, passed away on Dec. 28, 2014, at Fox Hospital, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Otego on Feb. 21, 1930, daughter of Frederick and Mabel Stiefel. She was the middle child of 15 children.

She married Willard R. Miller on Oct. 3, 1949, at the West Oneonta Baptist Church, where she and Willard were members. Willard was the pastor of several area churches, including the Toddsville, Springfield Center and Milford Baptist churches, and the Otego Christian Church, where he served from 1984 to 1996.

Daurice was known as “Grammie” to many children, and she was the champion at her favorite game, Aggravation, which she played with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Including her loving husband of 65 years, survivors include four children, Thomas (Sherry) Miller, Marilyn (Douglas) Baker, Kathy (Bob) Brady and Stephen (Lisa) Miller; nine grandchildren, Karin, Brett and Jaclyn Miller, Douglas Jr., Melissa and Jason Baker, Scott Brandow, and Abigail and Allison Miller; nine great-grandchildren, Aiden Miller, David and Carrie Baker, Kaitlyn Hawkinson, Brieanna Baker, Anysia and Eleni Baker, and Hannah and Jake Brandow; an “adopted” great-granddaughter,  Minnie Webster; a great-great-granddaughter,  Docianna Hawkinson; and seven siblings, Kathryn Barnard, Kenneth Stiefel, Robert Stiefel, Donald Stiefel, Jack Stiefel, Joyce Brown and Shirley Sargent.

She was predeceased by her parents; infant daughters Karen and Judy; siblings Ronald, Fred, Richard, Norman, Gordon and Lloyd Stiefel and Janet Miller; and son-in-law William Brandow.

The family had a private celebration of Daurice’s life on New Year’s Day.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Fox CCU, especially Nurse Cheryl and Dr. Njoku.

Donations in memory of Daurice may be made to the West Oneonta Baptist Church, 7 Church St., West Oneonta, NY, 13861.