Sharon Ann Miller

On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, Sharon Ann Miller, treasured aunt, faithful friend, and a devoted philanthropist, stepped into the arms of Jesus at the age of 79. Sharon was born in Cumberland, Maryland, to James and Roberta Miller, they moved to Lakeland, Florida with one suitcase each in 1950. Sharon and her older sister, Sylvia Beale, treasured one another and together they built a beautiful legacy in Lakeland. Graduating from Lakeland High School in 1961, Sharon soon began her beloved career with Publix Super Markets, Inc., which spanned just short of 50 years. Starting as a secretary and then as a clerk in the General Accounting Department, Sharon’s strong work ethic, dedication to quality, and dynamic personality paved her way to various Director positions and to the privilege of becoming a company officer as Assistant Secretary in 1992. In May of 2003, Sharon was honored to serve as the Executive Director of Publix Super Markets Charities. This was the perfect position for Sharon, as she was already personally involved in serving the Lakeland community. Over the years, she served on the Board of Directors for the United Way, Girls Incorporated, and the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center. She also dedicated time and resources to PACE, March of Dimes, the Leukemia Society, and many others. Although she was the recipient of the Girls, Inc, “She Knows Where She Is Going Award” in 1993, the George Jenkins Community Service Award in 1997, the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Woman of the Year award in 1999, the Sydney Schwartz Chairman’s Award of the Year in 2001, the George Jenkins United Way Volunteer of the Year in 2003, and the National Association of Women’s Business Owners Woman of Distinction Award, Sharon’s most important achievement was how she loved her family and friends. Sharon loved shopping for deals, cruising with her family, visiting NYC, meeting the needs of others, and eating pretzels at Detroit Tiger baseball games. A debilitating stroke in 2010 forced her retirement, but it did not stifle her spirit or her generosity. Sharon continued to support Publix, the Lakeland community, and her dedicated caregivers over the past 12 years. She was a larger-than-life dynamo - witty and encouraging, faithful and true, spunky and generous to a fault, and loyal and loving. Her legacy will live on through her niece, Vicki Ogg (Tom), her nephew, Rick Beale, her great niece, Sharon Gelsinger (Rob) and her great nephew, David Ogg (Jen), and by her “incredible” great-great nieces and nephews: Alexis, Olivia, Carson, Owen, McKenna, Brenna, and Blake, all of Lakeland. They were her pride and joy. It will also live on through the multitude of friends that she grafted in as family. As her last philanthropic gift, she sponsored a bridge in the heart of Bonnet Springs Park, a beautiful picture of the amazing life lived and legacy bestowed on her community, her friends, and her family. A viewing will be held at TBA Church, 1815 CR 540A, Lakeland, FL at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 4, 2023, with a celebration of life service to follow at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Salvation Army.

Sharon Ann Miller

May 4, 1943 - January 31, 2023