Our Mom, Gladys Winnifred Miller, passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital on November 23, 2018. Her health had taken a sharp decline in recent weeks and she was hospitalized for assessment, but by the second day, God received her to her heavenly home. We can picture our Dad, standing “just inside the Eastern Gate” of the heavenly Jerusalem, waiting to welcome her home – just like he promised.
Gladys was born on September 26, 1931 in Nanaimo, BC. Her great hope was centered in her relationship with Jesus, who became her personal Lord and Saviour early in life. Her youth was spent in Nanaimo, New Westminster, and Maple Ridge where she developed a love for the church. She taught Sunday School, played the piano, and led youth groups. In her lifetime Gladys served innumerable meals, devoting herself to the practical needs of so many individuals with her hallmark hospitality and inviting home.
In 1956 while working in Victoria Gladys met Roy Miller, a shy Saskatchewan farm boy stationed in Victoria with the Canadian Artillery. In 1957 they were married and launched into an adventure of following God’s leading for their lives and family. Roy and Gladys held serving roles in three different Christian ministries – Kings Garden (now Christa Ministries) in Seattle; Dessie Scott Orphanage in Kentucky, and at Prairie Bible College. In 1967 they returned to Victoria which remained their home. They were very involved as volunteers with World Vision, Shantyman’s Christian Association, Wycliffe Bible Translators, and Far East Broadcasting. In addition to a few years as foster parents, Gladys and Roy’s home was always open to visiting missionaries and other guests.
In time came many years of physical suffering for Roy. Gladys responded with faithful – often heroic – care for him. Roy passed away in 1995. Gladys is survived by her sister Anita Troop, who lived with her for the past twenty-three years. Together they offered encouragement, hospitality, and intercession to many. Their Mary-and-Martha-like personalities blended to bless many, many lives.
Gladys is also pre-deceased by her parents Captain Maurice and Edith Troop and brothers Leslie (Eileen) and Ells (Margaret). Gladys was a devoted mother to her three children: Darrell (Ray Ann), Jean-Marie, and Brent (Lana). Gladys also delighted in her fourteen grandchildren and their spouses and looked for ways to invest in their lives: Lindsay (Chuck), Jennie (Yuri), and William; Marina, Rhys, Ashley, Clarke, Preston, Rhoan, Austin, Luccia; Nikolas (Jolayne), Nathan, Natalie, and Nolan. Of special delight to Gladys was to be great-grandmother to Chloe and Myles.
Empowered by the grace of God, Gladys’ gifts shone brightly for many years. But in recent weeks, like a sinking sunset, Gladys’ life-light here on earth set quickly and was gone. Yet we are assured by God’s Word that she has awoken to a glorious eternity of praising the Lord she loves.
Day is dying in the west
Heav’n is touching earth with rest
Wait and worship while the night
Sets her evening lamps alight
Through all the sky
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts
Heav’n and earth are full of Thee
Heav’n and earth are praising Thee
O Lord, most high
There will be no Funeral Service by request. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ministry of Compassionate Resource Warehouse – online at www.crwarehouse.ca or by phone at 250-381-4483.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gladys Winnifred Miller 1931 – 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique
