M. Joyce Miller

M. Joyce Miller, 95, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Monday, December 1, 2025. No services will be held. A private burial at Linwood Cemetery in Cedar Rapids will take place at a later date. Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family.

Joyce was born on August 15, 1930, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Fred and Zona (Leffert) Thompson. She attended Roosevelt High School. Joyce married Thad R. Miller Jr., who preceded her in death in 1956. She later married Vernon Pickerill, and the two eventually divorced. She spent her later years with her partner, John J. Hlavacek. Upon retiring, her and John spent memorable times at their place in Prairie du Chien enjoying life and their grandchildren. Upon John’s passing in 2019, Joyce spent her remaining years devoting her life to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joyce devoted her life to raising her children and worked as an offset press operator for United Fire & Casualty in Cedar Rapids for 20 years before retiring.

Survivors include her daughters, Shelley L. (Gary) Sweet of Cedar Rapids, and Patty (Dana) Mellen of Beach Park, Illinois; five grandchildren, Jason, Travis, Chelsea, Lindsey (Lee), and Devon (Tony); six great-grandchildren; her sister, Nancy K. Reed; several beloved nieces and nephews; John’s children, John (Stacy) Hlavacek, Diane (Kurt) Moore, Joseph (Bobbi-Jo) Hlavacek, Mary (Stuart) Frank, and Jayne (Jeff) Crabdree; along with John’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Zona Thompson; her husband, Thad R. Miller Jr.; her sons, Thad R. Miller and Tracy Miller; her sister, Donna Wharton; her partner, John Hlavacek; and brothers-in-law, Dave Reed and Ed Wharton.

GG will be missed by all who loved her, and she will forever be in our hearts.

The family would like to thank the staff of Evergreen Estates and Mercy Hospice for the compassionate care they gave to her in her final days.