Vernita (Jody) Miller was born in Thayer, Missouri a triplet daughter of Arnett Hackworth and Jettie Hackworth (Lewallen) on December 18, 1949, and departed this life on July 10, 2023, at Ozarks Healthcare Hospital, in West Plains, Missouri at the age of 73. Her husband James “Shorty” was by her side, holding her hand.
After graduating from Couch school, she moved to St. Charles, Missouri finding employment with Brunswick Bowling for twenty years and then worked in nursing home healthcare. Jody married Shorty on March 26, 1994.
Jody worked at DRS in West Plains, Missouri for twenty years and retired in 2019. She was a member of Alton-Thayer Elks Lodge #2545 for thirteen years, was the chaplain for five years and was a past Exalted Ruler. She belonged to the Patriot Guard Riders “PGR” and the Ladies Auxiliary of the CVMA.
Jody was an avid hunter, fisherman and bowler. She loved the Cardinals, Mickey Mouse, family and friends. She had a heart of gold and was a wonderful person inside and out. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
She is survived by her husband James (Shorty) Miller; two sisters Anita Shaffer, husband George of Buffalo, Missouri and Marietta Barton, husband Carlos of Marthasville, Missouri; one brother Duane Hackworth, wife Linda of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri; two sisters-in-law Nelda Hackworth of Batesville, Arkansas and Linda Hackworth of O’Fallon, Missouri; five children Cindy Kidd, Chris Miller, Sherri Haury, husband Glenn, Starla Miller Drake, husband Larry and Chuck Miller, wife Brie; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
She was prececded in death by her parents Arnett and Jettie Hackworth; one triplet sister Juanita Hackworth; three brothers Dolan, Lester and Dean Hackworth; two sons Ronnie Miller and Jamie Miller; twin granddaughters Sharralynn and Kylie Miller; one nephew Douglas Hackworth.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri. Visitation will be Friday, July 14 from 12:00 p.m. until time of service.
July 13, 2023 @ 11:45 am
We send our most heartfelt sympathy and support to Shorty and family as they meet the loss of such an upright and outstanding wife, mother, and friend. Those of us who enjoyed Jody’s friendship and company through the years mourn her passing with the family. May God give you comfort in knowing that Jody’s pain and struggles are over. He never gives us more than we can handle without the grace to endure. When it becomes too much he gathers us up and carries us home; releasing us from this life and its struggles to a better life with him. It will be hard to continue on without her, but her greatest wish for us were happiness, good health, and bright tomorrows. A touch of Jody will remain in our hearts. All we need to do is think of her and she will be there in our hearts and minds. As long as we live, Jody will be with us. As they say, “Gone but not forgotten.” Jody’s smiles and twinkling eyes will always be a fond memory that I will keep near to my heart until we meet again. May peace be with you.
July 13, 2023 @ 4:35 pm
The Crase Families of Ohio want to pass on our deepest sympathy to Vernita family and Hackworth families !! So sorry for your loss !!
July 13, 2023 @ 10:20 pm
Gone but never forgotten love you aunt Jody
July 14, 2023 @ 12:38 pm
This saddens me so much. I have many wonderful memories of Jody. Rest peacefully my friend.
July 14, 2023 @ 4:33 pm
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I knew Jody from taking care of her mother in the nursing home. She was a very nice lady.
July 15, 2023 @ 9:42 am
Jody you have touched so many lives here on earth, an still had time for family an friends. Always helping out anyone in need. Your body is gone from this life but your soul an memories you gave others here on earth will live on forever. Your in no pain now. Rest well till we meet again. I send my deepest condolences and sympathies and prayers to
your hubby shorty and the whole family, in this difficult time in your loss. I love you Jody and thank you for always being a chat away. So long for now my friend till we meet again