Shirley B. Miller

Shirley B. Miller went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 16. She was 91. A loving wife and mother, Shirley was also a dedicated volunteer and accomplished career woman. She lived in Midland for more than 60 years.

A native of Ponca City, Oklahoma, Shirley was born to  Raymond and Junie Boring on August 27, 1934, one of 11 children.

With bright blue eyes, a quick wit and a ready smile, Shirley was a friend to everyone she met. She attended Oklahoma State University and went to work as a land secretary for Phillips Petroleum Company. Her career took her to Midland in 1954, and it was here that she met the love of her life, Joel R. Miller, marrying in 1956. They welcomed their first son, Brian, in 1959. Soon after, Joel’s career took them to New York, where he worked on Wall Street. Shirley and Joel established a home in Ridgewood, New Jersey, where they welcomed their second son, Steven.

In 1966, an opportunity in the oil industry brought them back to Midland, which became their forever home. Shirley was a great help and support to Joel when he later started his own business. Gifted at accounting and administration, she was invited to work for Wood and Locker, Inc. where she served as manager of the Division Order Department for six years.

Shirley left the workforce in 1981 and returned to being a full-time homemaker, a job she approached with the same commitment to excellence that she demonstrated in all of her endeavors. She was an extraordinary cook and baker, a talented hostess, and she had an eye for flowers and floral design. But above all, she was an outstanding mother to their two beloved sons.

Shirley volunteered with several charitable organizations, including High Sky Children’s Ranch, and was an excellent tennis player at Midland Country Club. She enjoyed many friendships in Midland as a member of the Minuet Club, the Midland Garden Club, the Twentieth Century Study Club, and a sewing club. A lifelong learner, she was an avid reader and enjoyed her book club. Additionally, she and Joel were members of the Midland Petroleum Club and First Presbyterian Church.

Shirley and Joel did everything together in their 57 beautiful years of marriage. They enjoyed being members of a dinner club, and they travelled widely with their friends and family, but their greatest love was family, which they considered their greatest blessing.

Shirley found tremendous joy in her four beautiful grandchildren, to whom she was “Nonie.” She never missed a school or sports event, and she enjoyed every moment with them.

Shirley is survived by her son Brian and his wife Laine of Midland, son Steven and his wife Stephanie of Dallas, and grandchildren Kaitlin Miller of Chicago, Braden Miller of Austin, Emily Miller of Dallas and Davis Miller of Dallas, nephew Gary Wynne, his daughter Whitney Rike and his son, Hunter, of Odessa and niece Susan Wynne of Austin. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Joel.

The family wishes to thank the outstanding staff at Manor Park, and the wonderful nurses at Hospice of Midland for the loving care Shirley received.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Flying M Ranch – Joel R. and Shirley B. Miller Family Scholarship fund at the Texas Christian University School of Ranch Management, 2800 Stadium Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76129.

Memorial services are scheduled for 2:00pm, Friday, February 13, 2026, at First Presbyterian Chapel.

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