11/28/2025
Patricia Anne Oliver Miller, 68, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away on November 22, 2025, surrounded by the deep love of her family.
Patricia was born on August 19, 1957, in Lamesa, Texas, to Warren Layton Oliver and Evelyn Joyce Pearson Oliver. She was one of three children: her older sister, Teri Oliver Kent, and her brother, Sam Oliver, who preceded her in death. She grew up in a warm, devoted family in Lamesa, where her father—known affectionately as Layton—was a successful cotton farmer in Dawson and Gaines Counties. Some of Patricia’s happiest memories were riding along with him to the farm, helping whenever she wasn’t in school, and soaking in the rhythms of the land. She had a deep and life-long love for her parents, and would eventually care for them in their later years.
From an early age, Patricia was drawn to beauty, music, and expression. She played the flute exceptionally well, becoming a standout musician throughout her years in the Lamesa High School band. Her musical talent followed her through college and into adulthood and remained a part of her life’s soundtrack.
Patricia attended Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, where she majored in Speech-Language Pathology. Caring for people—especially children—was her calling. She poured her heart into her career in pediatric speech therapy, where her compassion, warmth, and joyful spirit helped countless children find confidence and their own voices.
Her personality can only be described as sparkling, joyful, and full of life. Patricia’s laugh—musical, unmistakable, unforgettable—was the kind of sound that lifted spirits instantly. She loved music, decorating, color, holidays, and creating beauty wherever she went. Everything felt a little more magical when Patricia was near. She inherited her fabulous sense of style from her mother, Joyce, and carried that beauty with her always—inside and out. Those who found themselves in Patricia’s orbit will never forget her special magic and tremendous heart.
Patricia is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 41 years, Michael David Miller, who cared for her with unwavering love throughout her life and especially through her illness. His steadfastness, tenderness, and loyalty to Patricia were extraordinary; she could not have had a more loving partner.
She is also survived by her three children, who adored her:
• Jason Aaron Roberts of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Jennifer Anne Miller Grove of Corpus Christi, Texas
• Catherine Denise Miller Blackburn of Stephenville, Texas.
To her children, Patricia was first a caring mother—and, over time, a best friend and confidant. Their lives were shaped by her warmth, humor, creativity, and boundless love.
Patricia was the proud grandmother of four grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy: Memphis Coonrod, Sterling Seay, Jackson Grove, and Ella Grove. She remained active and engaged in their lives until the very end, supporting them, cheering for them, and loving them deeply.
Patricia leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, music, beauty, and generosity. She made life richer, fuller, and brighter for all who knew her. Her absence will be felt profoundly, but her light will continue in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those touched by her extraordinary spirit. Though we feel the ache of her absence now, our faith reminds us that this separation is only for a little while. We hold close the promise that we will meet again.
Funeral service for Patricia Ann Miller, 68, of Lubbock, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 8, 2025 at the First Baptist Church Chapel with Pastor Dennis Adams officiating. Interment will follow at Dawson County Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Branon Funeral Home.
To send condolences online, please visit: www.branonfuneralhome.com.