November 28, 1935 – February 9, 2026
Doris Miller, beloved mom, nana, aunt, and friend died peacefully, surrounded by family, at her home at the age of 90. Doris was born in Nyack, New York while her father was a seminary student. The second of three daughters, Doris grew up primarily in Atlanta, Georgia as a “PK” – preacher’s kid – spending much of her time in and around her church. A graduate of Bass High School in Atlanta, Doris worked for the Federal Reserve Bank prior to meeting the love of her life, Gene, in the summer of 1957. Their courtship was a whirlwind long-distance romance – they were engaged by Christmas and married in early 1958.
Doris and Gene welcomed their three children, Mark, Laura, and Dara in the 1960s. In the early years of their marriage, the couple made their home in several cities throughout the southeast, including Orlando and Miami, Florida, and Anniston, Alabama, finally settling in Atlanta, Georgia where they lived for more than 35 years, enjoying a rich social life, until moving to Auburn, Alabama in the early 2000s to be close to family.
Doris was beloved by her children and grandchildren as much as she was beloved by her spouse. A natural caregiver, gentle soul, and tender, kind spirit, she nurtured not only her children and their friends but also brought a beautiful spirit of love and joy to her many friendships and acquaintances, her extended family, and numerous family pets throughout her life. Being a loving Nana to her grandchildren was one of her greatest joys, and she relished every opportunity to be with them and their friends. Her lovely light will shine on in all whose lives she touched.
As a young mother, Doris learned to play tennis, which became a lifelong hobby and led to deep friendships which she treasured throughout her adulthood. In her later years, she and Gene enjoyed travelling to destinations throughout the world and maintained a rich social life in Auburn where Doris enjoyed the company of a host of friends from church, Campus Club, water aerobics, and her neighborhood.
Doris was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Gene M. Miller; by her parents, the Reverend Hamilton Paul Rankin and Elaine Clay Hall Rankin; and by her sisters, Joyce Rankin Vickers and Charlotte Rankin Harris. Doris is survived by her children, Markham C. Miller (Kirsten) and their children Sylvan, Kelly, and AnnElise; Laura L. Miller (Peter Lerwill) and his daughter Alexis Nguyen; and Dara L. Miller, and her children Connor and Madelaine Duggan; along with a nephew, Tim (Susie) Vickers.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 24th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama.
A service of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, February 25th at 2:00 pm at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn, Alabama, followed by a private interment. The family will greet guests beginning at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers the family invites friends to consider a memorial donation to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church or to the ALTA Foundation (https://www.altatennis.org/AltaFoundation.aspx)
Local Obituaries brought to you by Frederick-Dean and Valley Point Funeral Homes. “Serving our communities in their time of need”.
