Evelyn "Joy" Tepley Miller

Evelyn “Joy” Tepley Miller, 88, of Meadville, who loved the Lord deeply and lived her life grounded in faith, went home to be with Him on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

Joy was born at home in Meadville on June 20, 1937, a daughter of the late Carson and Helen (Bollinger) Porter.

In February 2021, Joy married William "Bill" Miller, who survives. Together they shared companionship, faith, and love.

Joy was a devoted member of New Beginnings Church, where she cherished her friendships and fellowship as part of Laura’s Ladies. She found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments — baking for those she loved, caring for her family, and creating a home rooted in warmth, faith, and resilience. Joy’s life was marked by extraordinary strength. She endured profound losses throughout her lifetime, including the heartbreaking deaths of her son, William “Billy” Brink, at the age of 16, and later her daughter, Julia Wermlinger. Through every hardship, Joy remained steadfast in her faith, carrying herself with grace, perseverance, and an enduring love for her family. Her quiet strength and unwavering devotion left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

In addition to her husband Bill, Joy is survived by her three daughters, Charmaine Brink Smith (Ronald) of Austinburg, OH, Debbie Brink of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and Lou Ann Wermlinger Simmons (Murray) of Akron, OH; six grandchildren, Tammy Melolick, Jennifer Hocutt, Veronica O’Conner, Luke Widlaw, Seth Miklovic, whom she raised, and Dylan Simmons; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bill Porter (Connie) of Austin, TX and Danny Porter (Diane) of Virginia; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Joy was preceded in death by her children, Billy and Julia, siblings, Francis Ritenour, Patricia Heffern, Nancy Brink, and Lois McGrath, and her great-grandson, Garret Hocutt.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 PM at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 Chestnut Street, Meadville, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 PM with Pastor Ryan Wilcox of New Beginnings Church officiating.

Joy will be laid to rest in Saegertown Cemetery

Though her family grieves her absence deeply, they take comfort in knowing Joy’s faith carried her home and that she is reunited with those she loved who went before her. Her legacy of love, resilience, devotion to family, and unwavering faith will continue to live on in the generations she leaves behind.

Joy will be laid to rest in Saegertown Cemetery.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com