Beloved Community Spotlight

Clare Miller’s life has been shaped by faith, family, and a remarkable career dedicated to nourishing others—both physically and spiritually.

Born in Sandy Hook, Mississippi, Clare’s early years took her from her family home to Albany, Louisiana, where her father taught high school agriculture, and later to Denham Springs. She went to LSU, earning her degree in dietetics and food systems management, followed by a internship at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Houston.

During that internship year Clare became engaged to a high school sweetheart. They married in 1963 and raised two children, Laurie and Jeff, before eventually parting ways after 15 years. Today, Clare’s family has grown to include four granddaughters and two great-grandchildren—blessings she carries with deep gratitude.

Clare’s professional journey is both extensive and impactful. After returning to work in clinical dietetics and earning her master’s degree in human nutrition from LSU, she devoted three decades to Child Nutrition Programs. Her work ranged from supporting school systems across Louisiana to leading food service for 37 schools in the Diocese of Lafayette—overseeing thousands of meals daily and a large team of employees. Later, her expertise took her to Alexandria, Virginia, where she served with the USDA as a Senior Nutritionist. In 2006, she and her team were honored with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s Achievement Award for their national impact on children’s health.

Even in retirement, Clare continued consulting and contributing her knowledge to state agencies and research groups. She also turned her attention to writing, publishing Ghosts from Mississippi’s Past—Over 200 Years in the John Ford Home, a deeply personal work centered on the very house in which she was born.

Clare’s journey to St. Margaret’s began through a long-time friend, Arch Robinson, whose gentle encouragement led her to visit. Many may remember Arch—a tall, white-haired presence with a hiking pole—by Clare’s side starting in 2017. Their friendship deepened through shared experiences, including participating in Episcopal 101 by Zoom during the pandemic and later traveling together for Clare’s research and elsewhere. Over seven years, their bond grew into a loving and meaningful partnership. Arch’s sudden passing in 2024 was a profound loss, but Clare found comfort and healing through the St. Margaret’s Widow & Widowers Group, offering and receiving support along the way.

Having previously attended the Catholic Church, Clare found something different—and deeply meaningful at St. Margaret’s. The inclusiveness and diversity of the parish, along with the genuine friendships she formed, have made her church community especially dear.

Now, Clare stands on the threshold of another new chapter, as she prepares to move to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she will live in an independent retirement community just minutes from her daughter and son-in-law. With Father Tommy’s help, she has already found a new church home at a nearby Episcopal church..

As Clare begins this transition, she carries with her the love and prayers of her St. Margaret’s family—and offers the same in return. If you see her before she moves, take a moment to say hello. You’ll find in Clare a warm spirit, a wealth of wisdom, and with a story worth hearing.