Joy Miller

"Joy Miller, of Mesilla, New Mexico, formerly of Mercer, PA, passed away on June 8, 2024 in Las Cruces, NM after a valiant battle with cancer” Joy was born in Pittsburgh in 1969, daughter of Ruth (Rishell) Miller and the late David M. Miller. She was a 1987 graduate of Mercer High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts from Thiel College in 1991. She then earned her Master of Fine Arts from Kent State University in 1996.

Joy was passionate about art, creating it, displaying it, and helping others create it. In addition to art, Joy’s other passion in life was animals, especially working with dogs and being involved in animal rescue efforts.

Joy relocated to New Mexico in 1997 and worked as the Gallery Preparator at NMSU Art Gallery from 1997-2000. She then worked as the Curator at Las Cruces Museum of Art from 2000-2018. From 2018 to the present, Joy worked as a self-employed independent curator, freelance graphic artist, and a pet sitter.

Joy was very involved in her local community and was the co-founder of the SNAP (Spay/Neuter Action Program) and served as the President, Secretary, and Treasurer. She was also active in the Las Cruces Downtown Revitalization Program Design Team, and the Lac Cruces Friends of Chamber Music. She also was a member and a volunteer for the American Adoption Congress, The Fountain Theatre, Boys & Girls Club of America, Southwest Environmental Center, Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley, Dona Ana Arts Council, and the Mountain View Market Food Cooperative.

Left to cherish her memory is her mother: Ruth (Rishell) Miller of Greenville, her brother: Michael (Wendy) Miller of Cleveland, and nephew: Adam Miller of Cleveland.

“In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your local animal shelter.”