Shirley Miller

Shirley Wright Miller, 88, of Nashville Tennessee passed away after a short illness on Thursday August 18, 2023.

Shirley was born in Murfreesboro Tennessee on August 6, 1935. She moved to Nashville with her family in 1948. They located in the West End area so Shirley and her sisters could attend West High School. Shirley’s years at West were among her favorite memories. There she was a member of ETC sorority and enjoyed wearing the fancy big dresses of the time to dances.  She loved going to reunions throughout the years.

Shirley entered Vanderbilt University for her freshman year but left when Robert Miller asked her to be his life-long partner. They were married on February 20, 1954. Robert had seen her sitting on the front steps of Blakemore Methodist Church as he was returning from Army Reserve summer training. He introduced himself and knew she was the “Wright” girl for him.

Shirley shared many exciting journeys with Robert over the years, traveling to distant destinations such as Banff Park in Alberta Canada, Yellowstone in the snow, Big Bend, and the Grand Canyon. Adventures with Robert included white-water journeys on the Obed and Big South Fork Rivers, paddling past pods of alligators in the Okefenokee swamp, and climbing to the top of The Chimneys in the Smokies (after shedding a few frightful tears and some serious encouragement by Robert).

Her early years of marriage were spent in dedication to raising her two daughters and in caring for daughter Lynn even later into life. She was devoted to Belle Meade United Methodist Church, where she regularly attended, having joined with Robert in 1969.

Some years back, Shirley had the notion to become an artist. She studied painting with Charles Brindley at Cheekwood, and within two years became quite an accomplished artist. Her specialty was floral subjects in watercolor.

She adored spending time with her grandchildren who lovingly called her Monnie. Trips to Disney World and the beach were always more exciting when she came along.

Shirley was a sweet girl, a charming lady, and a devoted wife and mother, who lived a long, full life. There were a few sad times, and many good times for which she was grateful and she had few regrets when life ended. It was a good life well-lived.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Robert A. Miller, daughters Lynn Miller of Nashville, and Lisa Irvin (Greg) of Athens Georgia, grandsons, Jacob Irvin and Miller Irvin of Atlanta Georgia and granddaughter Gracie Irvin of Nashville.

A celebration of her life will be held on Monday August 21, 2023 at 10:00am with visitation at 9:00am at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens Funeral Home 9090 TN-100 Nashville TN 37221.

In lieu of flowers, a donation honoring Shirley may be made to a charity of your choice.