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GCRC nurse remembered for courage, caring

by Cindy Abole
Public Relations
Jo Miller, R.N., a clinical staff nurse who worked for 14 years at MUSC’s General Clinical Research Center (GCRC), died Dec. 7 after her five-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Miller, who was 54, died at her home in Charlotte, N.C.
 
Described as a caring, friendly, gracious and courageous individual, Miller was a devoted nurse and research associate. She also was an advocate for patients diagnosed with ALS and their families, working with the ALS Association Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter in North Carolina. Miller was born Dec. 11, 1952 in Richmond, Va. She graduated with a nursing degree from DeKalb College in 1975.
    
Miller is survived by husband, Joe Miller; parents, Myra and Ted Lawrence; sister, Kelly Harding and brother, Michael Lawrence. Memorials can be made in her honor to the Carolina ALS Center, P.O. Box 32861, Charlotte, N.C. 28232.

I worked with Jo for eight years in MUSC’s GCRC. She was the most honest and genuine person I knew. As a nurse, she loved taking care of patients. As a friend, she loved working with her coworkers. I could always rely on Jo’s truth, acceptance and helpfulness.
—Kelley Martin, registered dietitian, GCRC

I met Jo 15 years ago on the shuttle bus on her first day as an employee. We became friends immediately. Jo was an excellent nurse. We enjoyed many happy and sad times together, both at work and away from work. She was like a sister to me. 
—Jackie Garris, GCRC

Jo was one of the most wonderful people I have ever known. I had the honor of working with her for 15 years in the GCRC. She was a brilliant nurse, a true friend, and an exceptional person. Jo dealt with the diagnosis of ALS with such courage. 
—Stacey Cook, R.N.

I knew Jo Miller all the years she worked as a nurse in the GCRC; she always had a smile on her face and made you feel better because of her smile.
—Judy Shary, Neonatology/Pediatrics

I had the privilege to work with Jo as a social worker in the GCRC. She was everything wonderful that anyone would want in a nurse—bright, compassionate, loads of fun and a helpful advocate for her patients and staff. Jo dealt with the horrible diagnosis of ALS with grace, honor and courage. She had a heart of gold and was a treasured friend whom I adored. She will be dearly missed.
—Gale Horinbein, Medical Social Worker

I knew Jo while working on a research study that was being conducted at the inpatient GCRC. Jo and all of the staff were terrific and possessed amazing job dedication. She will be greatly missed for her cheery smile and professional attitude. I extend my deepest sympathy to all of her family and friends.
—Lora W. Fields, IRB III Administrator

Jo was the strongest person I  have ever known. She was the best nurse I ever worked with in my 30 years here at MUSC. Personally she was always there for me. I have definitely lost a piece of my heart.
—Debbie S. O’Rear, R.N., Research Support Center, GCRC

When I think of the years working in the GCRC with Jo, I remember her excellent nursing skills, strong leadership, helpful and generous spirit, and her great cooking. She is missed.
—Lori Spillers, R.N., Division of Endocrinology

Jo was the rare person who was not only very smart, but also had a good dose of common sense. She always knew how to handle any “situation” that arose. She had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh, and was a very caring and generous person. The GCRC lost a great asset when Jo had to leave us because of her health, and we  lost the daily presence of a friend.
—Winnice Walker, R.N. 
 
I worked with Jo for many years in the GCRC. As nurses, we face challenges with courage, conviction and passion acting as advocates for our patients and educating patients and families. Her personal greatest challenge, the diagnosis of ALS, did not change her kindness and caring, attitude or sense of humor.
—Cindy Fitzgerald R.N., Pain Management/Ambulatory

I had the privilege to work with Joe as a social worker in the GCRC. She was everything wonderful you'd want in a nurse-bright,compassionate,loads of fun to work with and always helpful to patients/staff. Joe dealt with the horrible diagnosis of ALS with grace, honor and courage. She had a heart of gold and was also a treasured friend who I adored. She will be dearly missed.
—Gale Horinbein, Medical Social Worker,SBS Prevention Project Coordinator

   

Friday, Dec. 21, 2007
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