Bette Wolens Miller, age 91, known as “Mom” and “BeBe” by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully on August 25th, 2024. Bette’s courage, determination and grace were on full display right to the end of her 14-month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). She was passionate about her family, dedicated to serving others, and characterized by her humility, strong will and deep kindness.
Bette was born in Corsicana, Texas, on December 31st, 1932, to her parents, Joe and Marie Wolens. She graduated from Hockaday School in 1950, and attended the University of Texas, Austin. She and her husband of 61 years, Bennett I. Miller (d. 2013), started their family in New York City before moving to Corsicana, and eventually Dallas, where she lived for the majority of her life. Bette’s family describes her as a nurturer, lifelong volunteer, mentor to many, always caring for others, disciplined and compassionate. In 2020, she moved to St. Louis at age 87.
Bette dedicated herself to family, her community and countless organizations and causes. Throughout her life, she carried on her parents’ legacy of supporting and giving her time to organizations and causes dear to her heart. Her strong work ethic and quiet determination had a profound impact on a local, national and international level. Bette held board positions with a long list of organizations. Her most impactful work was with the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and the Kalman and Ida Wolens Foundation. She was a recipient of six non-profit awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award with the NCJW Greater Dallas Section, recognizing more than 50 years of leadership and service. Her example will continue to serve as an inspiration for her family and friends.
Bette is preceded in death by her husband, Bennett Miller, sisters Dorothy Block and Marjorie (“Sissie”) Milkes, and grandson, Samuel Miller. Bette is survived by her children, Kerry Miller (Leslie), Jennifer Hillman (Tom), Elka Kopp (Alex); grandchildren Amber Winter (Jason), Adrienne Miller, Alyssa Miller, Max Hillman (Abby), Ben Hillman (Claire), Natalie Hillman; and great-grandchildren Dylan, Evan, Carlito, Cameron, Lucas, Sam and Jack; as well as sister-in-law Betsy Landis, brother-in-law Martin Miller, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends.
Bette was profoundly grateful for her care team, led by Dr. Ramzi Abboud, at Washington University Siteman Cancer Center, in St. Louis.
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to: 1) NCJW Greater Dallas, 16910 Dallas Pkwy #104, Dallas, TX 75248, 2) Blood Cancer Research Fund at Siteman Cancer Center at WashU Medicine, MSC 1082-414-2555, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105. Please indicate the gift is to the Blood Cancer Center Fund in memory of Bette Miller by writing a memo on your check, or online at giving.wustl.edu/bettemiller. Gifts will be utilized at the discretion of Bette’s AML oncologist Dr. Ramzi Abboud, or 3) the charity of your choice.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, August 27th, 2:00 PM, at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 West Northwest Hwy., Dallas, TX 75225, with private family burial.
