Joanne Miller

JoAnne Jones Miller (Miss Jo), of Columbus, Ohio, passed away suddenly at home on July 7, 2025. She was born on September 27, 1943, in Georgetown, Washington D.C. to the late Vernon F. Jones and Dorothy Z. Jones.

Miss Jo is fondly remembered for her unwavering dedication and service to the Bexley community, particularly through Bexley Parks and Recreation, Bexley Preschool, and Bexley Pool. She was the visionary behind the Learn to Swim program and played a key role in developing girls’ sports programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Her creativity and passion left a lasting impact on every individual and initiative she touched.

Miss Jo will be deeply missed by both her family and her extended Bexley community. Her warm smile, infectious humor, and kind spirit brought joy to so many. We can imagine her now, joyfully singing her favorite preschool songs in heaven—perhaps even chanting, “Air, bubbles, kick, kick, kick,” with the same enthusiasm she shared with generations of young swimmers.

JoAnne is preceded in death by her parents Vernon Floyd Jones and Dorothy Zaring Jones, her sister Maryann Jones Mlsna and her brother David Jones.

JoAnne is survived by her partner of 48 years, Carolyn Kitchen, her children Stephen Miller and Kathy Miller (Kari), her siblings Susan Jones Nolan (Mike) and Jimmy Jones (Annette), her grandchildren, Holly Powers (Corey), Lauryn Miller (Jason), Logan Miller, Colton Miller, Grace Miller-Creasey, and Jack Miller-Creasey, and her great grandchildren, Avery Powers, Chase Powers, and Nixon Husband.

A celebration of life is planned for Fall 2025. More details will be made available at a later date.