Laura Jean Miller

Laura Jean Miller passed away on November 26th after a long battle with sarcoma. Laura was born on November 11, 1946 in Louisville, Kentucky, the daughter of Marion and Arthur Miller, both deceased. She is survived by her loving and fabulous husband, Garrett VanKoughnett; by her talented and beautiful children and grandchildren, including her son, Michael Uhlik, his wife Nicole and grandchildren Zoe and Asher of Austin, Texas; and by her daughter, Caroline McCoach, her husband Chris and granddaughter Fiona of Half Moon Bay, California. She is also survived by her wonderfully supportive four siblings and their families: Paul Miller and Tom Miller of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Marilyn Scholtz of Louisville, Kentucky; Joan Roethle of Leawood, Kansas. She is also survived by Cal and Diane VanKoughnett and by Lee VanKoughnett, her in-laws in Tennessee.

Laura graduated from Magnificat High School in Rocky River, Ohio and achieved both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree with honors from the University of Missouri. Laura began a federal government career as a Presidential Management Intern with the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1978. She served in progressive management positions culminating as Deputy Undersecretary for Health, the COO for VA healthcare nationwide. She received recognition for her work via a Presidential Award for Outstanding Service. Upon retiring from the VA in 2005, Laura taught management courses and provided consulting to various organizations. She also served as the Chief Operating Officer of National Quality Forum, continuing her longstanding commitment to utilizing metrics to improve healthcare quality.

Upon moving to St. James North Carolina in 2012 and fully retiring, Laura found time to devote to watercolor painting, gardening, fishing, tennis, international travel, and music, including taking up the ukulele. She volunteered with the town Emergency Management Team, and the turtle watch program on Oak Island. Most important to Laura was the time she spent visiting with friends and family. She was loved and will be missed by many.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to Smile Train, which changes lives with every surgery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com for the Miller family.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.