Yvonne Jeanette Miller, also lovingly known by her nickname Bonbon, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, went to be with her Heavenly Father on June 27, 2023, at home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Sacramento, California, to CB Miller and Patricia Ann Miller (Ridinger) on October 2, 1951.
Yvonne was the valedictorian of her high school graduating class at Central Public Schools in 1969. After high school, she worked at various establishments as a secretary. Later, she went on to obtain her associate degree from the University of Arkansas, and her journey in healthcare began in 1995. For twelve years, she traveled as a surgical technician primarily throughout the east coast until she returned home and worked at Sequoyah Memorial Hospital until retirement in 2016.
She was fiercely independent and was known to be resourceful. There was nothing she couldn’t do! From watching YouTube videos to learn how to fix her vehicle to doing renovations around her home. She was also a talented artist and an accomplished author. Yvonne was often the one friends and family would call on for medical advice, her Bible knowledge, and spiritual guidance. She loved a teachable spirit and was always eager to share what she herself had learned.
She authored a book entitled, “And The Word Spoke Back To My Heart,” published in 2020. For nearly 40 years, it remained her passion to continually study and pass on to others the beauty of the scripture and the answers they contain. She mentored many through her biblical teachings and knowledge of the Bible.
Her pastimes included instructing and facilitating small group Bible studies, gourmet cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting, crafting, and working puzzles. She made many gifts for friends and loved ones that they will cherish forever and pass on for generations.
Yvonne is survived by her daughter, Shannon Leigh Bair; her brother, Charles Miller; her sisters, Darlene Marrs and Rhonda Nicholson; her nieces and nephews; her great nieces and great nephews that she loved so dearly, and her beloved dog, Mia.
Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, CB and Ann Miller, and her sister, Kathy Shropshire.
The family will welcome visitors on Sunday, July 2, 2023 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM in the Sequoyah Memorial Chapel at Forever Memories Funeral Services.
Yvonne’s celebration of life will be held Monday, July 3, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Forever Memories Funeral Services in Sallisaw, Oklahoma with Pastor Austin Carrigan officiating.
Yvonne was a proud graduate of Greenwood Bible College. If you would like to make a monetary donation in her memory, a check may be sent to Greenwood Bible College at 454964 Highway 64, Vian, Oklahoma, 74962. All donations will go towards a tuition scholarship. Donations may also be dropped off at Forever Memories Funeral Services during visitation or on the day of services.
Arrangements are under the direction of Forever Memories Funeral Services.
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Until we meet again Bon Bon! Thank you for the memories! I’ll never forget that intoxicating laugh and your infectious smile. XOXO
Reggie
I’ll forever be grateful for your friendship, Bonbon. The world is a little darker without you here.
No one could make a pie like she could. I once described a caramel cream pie that I’d had years ago and had never found another like it. Soon, she sent me a caramel cream pie that she’d developed, and it was a near perfect recreation of the one I’d sought for years. I think I gained 10 pounds!
When I dig out our Christmas ornaments this year, I look forward to finding the crocheted gnomes she made for my boys. We will treasure them always.
Bon Bon was always a delight to have a conversation with. She was wonderful at telling the stories of her childhood and young adult life. She shared with me a story of her and a friend that fibbed about their ages to become nurses aides (your age was your only requirement). They soon realized that they had bit off a little more than they could chew, but they pushed through and went on to conquer larger health care goals than that later on. She was full of life and stories likes these that in turn, helped inspire myself and others to conquer dreams we felt were bigger than ourselves. No matter how awful things may be, she was one you could look to for the biggest and most love filled smile. I’m so thankful for the friendship she gifted me with.
I will share your stories and bigger than life personality with my children! I love you Bon Bon!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family today. So sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.
She was a blessing and my children loved her very much! Heartfelt prayers and condolences to all of her family. She will be remembered for all of her goodness to everyone.