Barbara Jean Miller

Barbara Jean Miller was preceded in death by her parents, Ben Hill Johnson and Essie Jurell (Walls) Johnson. Also, preceding her in death were her husbands: Charles H. Cronic, Roger G. Miller, James R. (Bozo) Bailey & Gary Little. Surviving are her sons, Benjie (Mary) Cronic and Bobby (Renea) Cronic, both of Bethlehem, GA; grandchildren: Emily & BJ Cronic of Bethlehem, and April (Tim) Oesterle of Athens; and special friend, Peggy Thompson of Winder, GA.

Barbara was a lifelong resident of Barrow County. Barbara attended Winder Barrow High School and went to work for several companies within Barrow County, including: Barrow Manufacturing Company (18 years). R&R Manufacturing Company (12 Years), Duck Head Corporation (5 Years), and Barrow County Schools (18 Years). Barbara retired at 80 years old from Barrow County Schools (Nutrition Services Department) due to the Covid 19 Pandemic but would have continued to work because she truly loved her job and her coworkers.

Barbara had a giving heart & was a member of Hebron Baptist Church and used to volunteer with the seniors group. Barbara also took part in local school “Backpack programs” & helped those in need when she could. She also donated monthly to St Jude Hospital and Veterans Affairs. Barbara had strong beliefs too. Barbara believed in Jesus! knowing that Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life! Everlasting Life! Barbara also believed in “The Pledge of Allegiance” and “Prayer in Schools”. Barbara believed in hard work, “look someone in the eyes when talking to them” & said (many times) "when life gets you down, get back up & never give up”. Barbara had more wisdom than most, and many sayings were common sense that made you think. They were simple but profound.

Barbara enjoyed going out with others. She traveled years ago with First Piedmont Bank Senior groups on nearby bus tours & enjoyed living life: from going to NASCAR races and rooting for her favorite drivers to attending Country music concerts. Barbara was able to meet Hank Williams,Jr backstage at a nearby show. She also enjoyed Christian music groups in and around Barrow County. Barbara was a big Georgia Bulldog fan and never missed watching a game, EVER!! Barbara enjoyed Mexican food and a cold Mr. Pibb on a hot summer day. She even continued to cut her grass into her 80s until she couldn’t but tried and tried on many days. Never one to give up. Barbara also loved animals and had bred German Shepherds, owned horses when she was younger, but truly LOVED Poodles. Barbara had many Poodles in her lifetime but Peanut & Buster were her babies. Barbara loved to sew too. She would make her own dresses and outfits for work, curtains, and more. It was something she really enjoyed and was very good at.

Barbara also loved being outdoors and at 71 years old climbed Stone Mountain. She also liked to go fishing. When Barbara was younger, she loved riding motorcycles & trips to the mountains & the beach: saying those were the best times in her life. When Barbara was no longer able to attend church, after hip surgery, retiring, & Covid, she would watch preaching on TV daily to keep the Lord’s word close to her heart. Barbara was a breast Cancer Survivor & was living with Leukemia. Saying… Leukemia was not for the weary. Through it all she was still faithful, reminding folks, “This is up to the Lord” "Jesus is in control, always has been & always will be". “So be it!" Barbara will truly be missed.

A Private Graveside Service will be held at Barrow Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please donate to American Cancer Society, Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. St. Jude Hospital, or Veterans Affairs programs.