Berniece B Miller

Berniece Beatrice ‘B' Miller, 77, peacefully passed away on February 2, 2010 at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends.

‘B' was born on January 14, 1933 in Kansas City, Kansas, the youngest daughter of the late Eddie and Florene Meyer. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Albert and 5 children: son Steve and wife Jeannie of Annandale, Virginia; daughter Deb Shackelford and husband Jeff of Overland Park, Kansas; son David of Shawnee, Kansas; daughter Diane Hydeman and husband Kent of Roeland Park, Kansas; son Joseph of Harvard, Illinois. She also leaves behind 12 beautiful grandchildren: Lauren, Lindsay, Seth, Logan, Anastacia, Christina, Lance, Ana, Erik, Katarina, Elizabeth and Tristen. She is survived by her younger brother, Robert Meyer of Shawnee, Kansas, and preceded in death by sister, Mary Lou Gagahan.

‘B' grew up in Shawnee and graduated from Shawnee Mission Rural High School, (today known as Shawnee Mission North High School) where she earned a couple of nicknames . . . as a "swell gal", she was called "Blondie" for her golden locks and "Torchy" for her beautiful, melodic voice. Upon graduation from high school, ‘B' married her lifelong sweetheart and only love, Albert, weeks prior to his deployment to the Korean War. It is Albert to whom she had written her first love letter to in first grade.

Professionally, ‘B' was most recently associated with Prudential KC Realty where she was consistently recognized as a multi-million dollar sales agent. She was very passionate and dedicated about her career and spent over 40 years in real estate. With 30+ years as a real estate sales professional, she personally assisted many families throughout Kansas City with their achievement of home ownership. Her career also included the responsibility as the chief of operations for her husband's company, M&M Masonry where she managed all back office reporting, accounting and support.

‘B' was active as a Red Coater in the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce; Committee for Veteran's Tribute in Shawnee; Former President of PTA at St. Joseph High School, Shawnee; founding member of the St. Joseph's High School fund-raising auction; Camp Fire troop leader; and volunteer for numerous charities including most recently, Advice and Aid Pregnancy Center .

‘B' was well known throughout her life for her enduring positive attitude and energetic approach along with her non-stop full-of-life soul, always putting others first and smiles on the faces of everyone she met. Her love of life, music, family and friends filled the air, always sharing her love and affection over a glass of wine. She also enjoyed skiing and golf with her daughters and best friends. Never wanting the spotlight, she took over the room with her lovely smile and friendly demeanor. She will be forever missed for her style and grace.

The Miller family would like to give special thanks to Grace Hospice, American Companion Care, and The Sweet Life of Rosehill for their loving and compassionate care provided during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, ‘B' requested donations be sent to Advice and Aid Pregnancy Center, P. O. Box 7123, Shawnee, Kansas 66207-0123.

Visitation and Funeral Mass

The public visitation will be held on Friday, February 5, 2010, at St. Joseph'Catholic Church, Shawnee, Kansas. The Rosary will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the visitation till 8 p.m. The Catholic funeral mass and services will be held in her honor on Saturday, February 6, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas.