Joan Nichols Miller left this earth on the arms of angels on June 27, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Joan was a native of Selma and a resident of Millbrook. She was a devoted wife, aunt and great aunt. She was born in Selma on January 27, 1942.

Joan was preceded in death by her husbands, William Burns Cooper and Jack Anderson Miller; and her parents, Lila Mae Nichols and Edwin Greenwood Nichols.

Her survivors include her brother, Kenwood C. Nichols (Joanna) of Selma; sister, Sherry N. Twilley of Canton, Georgia; brother, James Dale Nichols (Susan) of Selma; nieces, Pamela T. Dennis of Prattville, Kelli T. Prescott (Phillip) of Selma, Kimberley Talley of The Woodlands, Texas, Fiona N. Rohde (David) of Stamford, Connecticut, Clare N. Drebitko (Jason) of Woodstock, Vermont, Tanner L. Chapman of Selma and Joy Robertson (Johnny) of Kosciusko, Mississippi; nephew, Jimmy Cochran (Robin) of Phoenix City; 11 great nieces and nephews; and many cousins and dear friends.

Joan’s entire business career of 38 years was spent working for property, casualty and bond insurance agencies in Selma and Montgomery.  She specialized in, and became an expert in, insurance for commercial building, bridge and road builders in Alabama.

The family would like to say a special and heartfelt “thank you” to Joan’s Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church of Prattville; Dr. John E. Reardon of Montgomery; and all of her friends who were there for her during the difficult times of her illness.  Appreciation is also expressed for the dedicated and caring staff of Park Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  Joan will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Ron Bryant, Jimmy Cochran, Jason Drebitko, Bob Edwards, Allen Fancher and John Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Larry Deavers Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church of Prattville.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, June 30 at 11 a.m. at Ocmulgee Baptist Church with the Rev. Danny Sumerlin and Rev. Donald Harris officiating. Burial will follow in Ocmulgee Baptist Cemetery with Selma Funeral Home directing.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to be made to the American Cancer Society, Auburn Autism Foundation, 1228 Haley Center, Auburn, AL 36849 or Ocmulgee Baptist Church Building Fund, 122 Ocmulgee Church Road, Selma, AL 36701.

You may go online to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest book at http://www.selmafuneralhome.com.