Gerald “Jerry” Miller

Gerald “Jerry” Miller, age 83, of Anna, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, Ill.

Jerry was born on July 12, 1941 to Sidney Gerald, Sr. and Ruby B. (Farris) Miller in Olive Branch, Ill. On Sept. 1, 1962, he married Dixie Sheffer and they have spent over 62 years together and she survives.

He started out in Olive Branch teaching and farming. Jerry was a 1959 graduate of Tamms High School where he enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, and the trombone in the band. He earned his master’s degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University. 

He then moved to Anna where he taught science and social studies for 32 years at Anna District 57 and retiring in 1994. Mr. Miller was famous for his hand painted wall-size map of the world. Several generations of local families still enjoy the memories of those weekly tests. 

He also enjoyed many years as the official basketball score keeper for the Anna Indians.  He was a member of Anna Heights Baptist Church and the Illinois Education Association. 

Camping and spending time with his family and friends was a continuous joy of his life. A quick wit, a friendly smile, and an outgoing personality allowed him to never meet a stranger.  

After retirement, he did carpentry work and woodworking. Jerry was a master craftsman and blessed many family and friends with his creations. Jerry also did carpentry work on all the Pre-K’s in the area. 

Survivors include his two sons, Scott (Lou) Miller and Shawn (Amy) Miller; grandchildren, Sydne Miller, Beatryss (Jesse) Adams, and Graydon Miller; great-grandson and the apple of his eye, Kother Wayne Adams; along with several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his two sisters, Virginia Rudluff and Judy Gibbar.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Darryl Williams officiating at Anna Heights Baptist Church. 

Visitation were held on Saturday, April 19 at Crain Funeral Home Anna and will be held again on the day of service from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the church. 

Interment will follow the service at Anna City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to Anna Heights Baptist Church. 

Crain Funeral Home in Anna, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.