Jane P. Miller

Jane P. Miller, was born June 26, 1933 to Julia Robinson and Arthur Bairfield in Birmingham Alabama. She was the second daughter born to Julia Robinson who had an older daughter by a previous marriage. By age 11 her mother remarried and she was raised by Reverend Lonnie Lige in Chicago’s Princeton Park homes. While there, Jane graduated from Calumet High School. She went on to spend more than 50 years in this community that fostered her love of gardening as the neighbors would hold annual competitions for the best garden. Jane was joined in marriage to Harry Miller in 1962 and to this union a daughter Kathleen was born. Jane would eventually become a single parent, involved in every aspect of her daughter’s development. Jane followed her mother into their church home of Greater Bethesda Missionary Baptist church in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood where she became an active member. There would be 3 generations of her family at this church where she accepted the teachings of Jesus Christ and applied His principles while serving on several outreach committees within Bethesda. In 1957 she started as a file clerk at Continental Insurance (one of the first African Americans employed at the firm during this time) eventually working her way up to supervisor before retiring in 1989. She would later return to the workforce in various roles before finally retiring in 1999, whereupon she received a resolution from the City Council and Chicago Mayor for her success as a site manager at St. Mark Manor. In retirement, Jane enjoyed her church activities, gardening, continued travel with the Sno-Gophers ski club and hosting dinner parties in her Princeton Park home. Jane spent her final days at Avantara of Lincoln Park where she was described by the staff as a sweet and uplifting spirit. She would often share photos from the picture album compiled by her Bethesda family. Jane completed her Father’s assignment on May 22. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Kathleen and sister Idene of Detroit. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jane P. Miller

June 26, 1933 - May 22, 2026