Joan Sanford Miller

Joan Elaine Sanford (Miller), 71, of Chicago, beloved daughter of the late Luerue Sanford and Laura (Horton) Sanford, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 19, 2025. She was born on July 27, 1953, at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL.

After graduating from Simeon High School, Joan took on the responsibility of helping to raise her siblings while her hard-working parents tirelessly provided for their family. She deeply admired her mother, Laura, and took immense pride in having a nurse for a mom. Joan often credited her mother for teaching her everything she knew, from cooking to raising her own children. Laura was her greatest inspiration, her "Shero," and their bond was unbreakable. Her mother entrusted Joan with so much, and she carried that trust with grace, devotion, and an unwavering sense of duty throughout her life.

From a young age, Joan dedicated her life to serving her community with an open heart and a generous spirit. She was known for her boundless love, always taking neighborhood kids roller-skating, swimming, to the park, or simply making sandwiches to ensure they never went without a meal, all from her own resources. Her home was a place of warmth and kindness, where everyone felt welcome and cared for. Joan’s kindness extended beyond her own family, touching the lives of countless friends and neighbors, creating a nurturing and safe environment for all.

 Joan dedicated years of service to airport security at O’Hare International Airport and Andy Franchise Security Company. She also served for many years as an Elections Coordinator for the Chicago County Clerk’s Office, overseeing polling places and precincts with dedication and integrity. Her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence were evident in everything she did.

 However, out of all the roles Joan held throughout her lifetime, the most rewarding and cherished was being a mother to her three amazing sons. She poured her heart and soul into raising Victor “Vic” Miller, Vino Miller, and Vincent “Vince” Miller, whom she loved unconditionally and with every fiber of her being. They were her pride and joy, and she took immense satisfaction in seeing them grow into the men they are today.

 In addition to her own children, Joan adored her favorite niece, Laura Sanford, and her two nephews, Orlander (OJ) Jordan II and Quinton Jordan. Joan always found time to cook them their favorite meals, ensuring they felt loved and cared for in the way only she could.

 Joan was known for her infectious laugh, her unforgettable catchphrases, and her famous greetings, which will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved her:

 "Heyyyyyy baby love!"

"Ain’t that a kick in the head?"

"Ain’t nothing going on… same ole’ same ole’!"

"You got a min to talk? I ain’t gone burn ya ear off."

"What you say, what you say?"

"You got to show me how to be stupid?"

 If you knew Joan, you knew these were just a few, there were plenty more where those came from, and each one brought smiles and laughter to those around her.

 Joan was a long-time congregant of The Faith Community of Saint Sabina in Chicago, IL. She found joy in barbecuing for her family, watching old westerns, and, most recently, discovering TikTok. Her newfound love for social media led her to her favorite content creator, Swisher3x, a young man from Florida who dances to old-school music in stores, bringing smiles to seniors and shoppers of all ages. Watching his videos kept Joan in stitches for hours, and it became one of her favorite pastimes.

 Joan loved her role as the family matriarch and was affectionately known as “Joan Bone.” She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter and is survived by her three devoted sons; her three beloved sisters, Alice Sanford, Darlene Sanford, and Gladys Sanford; her cherished brother, Ronald “Ronnie” Sanford; her three adored grandchildren, Kyla Miller, Javonte Maxie, and Jamesia Bradley; and her precious great-granddaughter, Malaya Nicholson. She also leaves behind a daughter-in-love, Jendayi Scott-Miller, along with a host of step-grandchildren, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss her deeply.

 Joan was preceded in death by her brother, James Sanford, whom she loved dearly and is now reunited with in peace.

Her love, strength, and unwavering dedication to her family and community will forever be remembered and cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Joan Sandford Miller https://www.facebook.com/SchafferFS/videos/2050549298703672