Souhaila Miller, 89, passed away on July 1, 2022. She was a resident of the Forest City area for 50 years.
Souhaila Miller was born on May 15, 1933 in Acre, Palestine, to Elias Jammal and Souraya Awad Jammal. Souhaila was self college educated and went on to teach for several years before she came to the United States. She spoke Arabic, French and English. After she came to the United States, she worked for an employment agency. While working one day, Cornell, who had already been a client of theirs, came in to inquire about a new nanny. She had sent numerous nannies to work for him, but none ever worked out. He was so mesmerized by her beauty and charm, that he asked her out on a date. Their first date was with his young son Thomas and they went to eat dinner at Howard Johnsons. Cornell fell in love with Souhaila immediately. Souhaila fell in love with the little boy Thomas immediately. Her love for Cornell came later. Cornell and Souhaila married very quickly on December 17, 1972 in Orlando surrounded by her large family. Souhaila fell into the role of wife and mom very easily. Soon afterward, they went on to own and run a Granny’s donut shop located in Forest City. Many years later they sold the donut shop and Souhaila went into retail sales at Macy’s. She was the top saleswoman for many years and retired from Macy’s.
Souhaila was an excellent chef and could prepare anything. She had vast knowledge of not only Arabic dishes, but loved to prepare German dishes for her husband and son. She absolutely loved to cook for family and friends and found joy in the preparation. Souhaila’s best trait was that she loved everyone. She had a soul and spirit that was kind to all and she accepted you as you are. She was always drawn to children and children to her. She was always patient and kind and would sing in Arabic songs of the past to the little ones.
Souhaila is survived by her son, Thomas (Alisha) Miller, daughters, Sabina (Eddie) O’Keefe, Margie (Burt) Davis, Grandchildren, Morgan (Thomas) Bock, Leyland (Meagan) Davis, Taylor (Kiera) Davis, Emmi (Jonathan) Maldonado, Sadie (Leo) Rodriguez, Mazie Miller and her great-grandchildren, Myla Maldonado, Finn Davis, and Emmitt, Tara, Ryann Davis. She is also survived by her beloved brother Emile (Ruthann) Jammal and sister in laws Sylvia Jammal, Malakeh Jammal and Vicky Jammal. Souhaila will also be missed my many other family members.
Souhaila is preceded in death by her husband Cornell, her brothers Souheil “Jim” Jammal, Toufic Jammal and Nabil Jammal.
The service for Souhaila Miller will be held on Monday, at 4:00 PM at Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home. A Mercy meal will be served at the Syrian Lebanese American Club at 6:00 PM