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Barbara Angell Miller (77) passed away peacefully at home on September 18th, surrounded by the people she loved in the place she most loved.
She was born January 24, 1949, in Chatham, New Jersey. Daughter of Albert D. Angell Jr. and Lois Fassett Angell. She went on to build a life centered around family, education, friendship, faith and community.
Barbara devoted more than 30 years to teaching at Gifford Middle School in Vero Beach, FL, retiring in 2012. She taught gifted education, social studies and later reading for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. She taught outside the textbook; Barbara had a gift for making learning memorable. She led her school’s participation in the county Academic Games, including linguistics and presidential history. Many former students will remember her creative ‘Cities of the Future’ unit and exhibits. She received various recognitions for her work, including Teacher of the Year.
Her commitment to others extended beyond the classroom. Barbara was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach. She was actively involved in the Church’s cancer support group after her own diagnosis in 2014. Barbara was an incredible friend to everyone she met. She enjoyed weekly mahjong and Rumi Kube games with her friends. She also loved her evening dog social groups at The Moorings Beach. She was a board member of the Moorings Property Association and the Sea Mist HOA.
Barbara was a graduate of Park College in Kansas City, Missouri. She attended The University of Maine and the University of Central Florida (MEd).
Above all, Barbara treasured her family. She is survived by her husband of 55 years Tom, daughters Sarah Miller Gibbons (Jeff) and Lindsay Miller Holsonback (Cliff) and grandchildren, Lilly (16), Will (15), Anna (14) and Elle (13).
She was predeceased by Albert D. Angell Jr. (father), Lois Fassett Angell (mother), and Albert Dr. Angell III (brother).
Those who knew Barbara will remember a woman who spent her life teaching, encouraging and caring- someone who left her mark not only on her family but on generations of students and the community she called home.
A private memorial service for immediate family will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach.
Memorial contributions may be made to the organization, Friends after Diagnosis, First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach -520 Royal Palm Blvd, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
“Stay Gold” – Barbara Miller
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2026 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Lynne Emerick - First cousin
October 5, 2026, 7:09 pm
Barbara was my beloved cousin. We grew up together and spent many years thinking up shenanigans….which periodically got us in trouble! Our mother’s both lived long lives and required our care. I learned a lot fron Barbara’s patience and understanding that she had with her mother. She is deeply missed by all who loved her.
Caryn Toole
October 5, 2026, 7:36 pm
“She taught outside the classroom…” she absolutely did. Mrs. Miller was a fantastic teacher who gifted her students with outside of the box thinking and an absolute love of learning. God bless and keep your family at this sad time.
Jinny Sewall - Cousin
October 5, 2026, 10:51 pm
Barbara was my full-of-fun cousin. After growing up in NJ, as adults we lived a country apart – she in FL and me in WA, but we kept in touch through text, email, and phone conversations. My husband and one daughter have brain cancers, so Barbara and I shared faith and stories about how our lives were touched by cancer. She was an inspiration. I miss her. Blessings and love to her family.