Elizabeth Jane (Bolen) Miller

ROCKY MOUNT –

Elizabeth Jane Bolen Miller, age 96, passed away Saturday, June 26, 2021. She was born November 24, 1924, in Elm City, NC to James M. and Leira Cox Bolen.  She grew up in Fayetteville and in Albany, GA.  When she was 17, Jane was diagnosed with bone cancer and subsequently lost her left leg.  She never let that conquer her indomitable spirit, though.  She attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA, Shorter College in Rome, GA and East Carolina University.  She received Master's Degrees in Theology and Counseling. She was married to Glenn Miller for 7 years.  She lived and worked for many years in Statesville, NC, as director of Christian Education for the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. She made at least two pilgrimages to the Holy Land in her lifetime.  

In the early 1970s, Jane left her church career to care for her youngest aunt, Janet Cox, co-owner of the Youth Shop and the Campus Room.  When her Aunt Janet's partner, Chloris Kellum, needed caring for in her old age, she moved in with Jane and lived with her until her death. 

She later served as a guidance counselor in a full-time capacity at W.L. Greene School in Nashville. John Grady, principal of W.L. Greene said, "Mrs. Miller was highly respected by co-workers and students, and was beloved by their parents."

Jane was a kind and cheerful woman, practical, nonjudgmental, and made friends easily.  She could make you laugh wholeheartedly, but she was also a no-nonsense person who would let you know exactly what she thought in no uncertain terms.  She was also a student of the bible and she loved studying the Word of God.  As a devout Christian from an early age, Jane never feared death because her faith was in the Scripture and she believed in the promise of the Resurrection.  Although born an only child, Jane had many friends and “chosen family” members whose children lovingly referred to her as “Aunt Jane.” She will always be fondly remembered as a person who spoke her mind with respect and love. She had a loving personality that will be greatly missed.

She is survived by the children of her closest cousin, Virginia Barber Finley, who was only 9 months apart in age and considered her more as a sister, and by her cousins, Jayne Barker and Carol Becker and their children.  She is also survived by a host of close friends in Rocky Mount.

Our heartfelt appreciation for Jane's devoted and constant companion, Wilhemenia C. Artis for her years of being a loving friend and caregiver. 

Please join family and friends to remember and celebrate Jane’s wonderful life at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 2, 2021, at the Chapel of Memories, Rocky Mount Memorial Park, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider memorial donations to First Baptist Church, 200 S. Church St., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or a charity of your choice.

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