Susan Michele Miller's Obituary
Susan Harris Cordero Miller
05/13/1967 to 10/26/2016
Susan Michelle was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday, May 13, 1967, the day before Mothers’ Day to Luanna Lee and William Arnold Harris. Susan inherited her beautiful hazel/green eyes and culinary skills from her father and from her mother she inherited her work ethic and what we referred to as the “bossy gene.” From both parents she received her wicked and wacky sense of humor.
A mere 11 months and two days after Susan’s birth, a surprise arrived, baby sister, Toni Lynne. Susan’s curly brown hair and Toni’s straight blonde tresses were quite a contrast, just like their personalities at times. As children they were adversarial, and their mother sometimes feared severe bodily injury would occur to one or the other. As adults they became fast and loyal siblings and friends. They loved and respected each other deeply and remarked annually that they were the same age for 28 days – an unusual set of twins.
Susan began her education in Indianapolis, Indiana. Following the divorce of her parents she moved to Jacksonville Florida. In junior high school, Luann and the girls moved to Texas and Susan completed her education at LaPorte High School. Susan met the “boy next door” from Deer Park, Manuel Cordero. Their son, Manuel Justin, was born in 1985 followed by daughters Jessica Leigh in 1989 and Jenna Lynne in 1995.
Later on Susan, now working at Casteel Fire Protection met and later married her soulmate and wingman, Jesse Miller, in 1996. Together, they were a match made in heaven and in the kitchen, both chefs of the highest order. They purchased a home in Pasadena, Texas which became their base of operations during their years together. Both worked too hard but they managed to find time to travel, fish, camp, ride their Harley and their ATVs and host many meals for family and friends. The Miller Sunday Texans football parties were famous for their food and fellowship. When grandbabies arrived, Susan and Jesse became Gigi and Paw Paw, the kind grandparents every mom and dad hope for and every child wishes for. Justin and Kelly’s daughter Kaisley and Jessica and Jacob’s son Kyle were the apple of Gigi’s eye – Gigi because all the other grandma names in the family were taken.
Susan’s career moved steadily up the ladder as the years progressed. She was the employee who came early, stayed late and learned everyone’s job. She entered the construction industry with Rencon and rose the corporate ladder. Ultimately she learned her marriage and family were more important to her than her career, and she joined Camp Construction where she found her nirvana. Their philosophy fit her new outlook, and she became happier than she had ever been in her work life. She had recently begun a new venture, Peachy Construction and completed two projects in her “spare” time.
Susan and Jesse joined the recovery community several years ago and were friends of Bill W. She was on the Board of Directors of Suso House for women in recovery and this group of women became a new passion. Many women of all ages are grateful to Susan for the time and attention she gave them in working the 12 Steps and providing them with many hours of love, laughter and adventure. She enjoyed their retreats and their morning meditation which she rarely missed. Susan touched many lives sharing her strength, hope and experience.
Susan was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer on September 23rd. Her team of physicians outlined a treatment plan covering chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy with the belief that her cancer was curable. Susan was ready for battle, and cancer didn’t stand a chance. Her first chemotherapy treatment was scheduled on October 27, the day after the Lord took her home.
Susan was preceded in death by her father Bill Harris, maternal grandparents Bill and Helen Hass, paternal grandparents Pete and Kate Harris, her sister Brenda Harris True and brother Kevin Harris. Susan survived by her mother, Luann Lanthrop; loving husband, Jesse Miller; her son, Justin Cordero and wife Kelly; her daughters, Jessica Cordero and Jenna Gonzalez Miller and grandbabies Kaisley and Kyle.
Susan was a force of nature, filled with love and compassion for her family and friends and tolerance for all. She loved her God with all her heart and had unwavering faith in him. Her smile and her sense of humor will never be forgotten. Whether it was throwing a baby shower, cleaning the beaches in Galveston or fighting breast cancer, she was ready. Her many talents are known far and wide and are too numerous to list here. Suffice to say that we loved her deeply, we will love her always and we will miss her daily.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
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