Julie Suzanne Miller, 44, of West Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her immediate family on December 28, 2024. Born in Athens, TN, on June 7, 1980, Julie was raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, and was a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Her life was defined by her deep love for her family, her caring spirit, and her lifelong dedication to the fields of athletic training and education. Julie was a light and was proud to share she had accepted Jesus as her Lord while in middle school.
Julie’s passion for athletic training began early, at Farragut High School, where she worked alongside football coach Eddie Courtney. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a focus on KHEP Athletic Training from Cumberland University in 2003, Julie continued to support student-athletes, contributing to the school’s football, tennis, and soccer teams with compassion and expertise.
In 2007, Julie earned a Master of Arts in Education from Cumberland University, specializing in Physical Education, Health, and Wellness, with K-12 licensure. Her desire to deepen her knowledge led her to pursue a Doctor of Athletic Training degree at the University of Idaho, making her one of the few to attain the highest level of education in the field. Julie’s commitment to academic and professional excellence was reflected in her scholarly work, including the 2017 publication of “Sleep Quality and Resilience: A Study with Brazilian and American Health Students,” which she presented at the West East Institute of Educators Journals at Harvard University.
Julie’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those she mentored and inspired, both professionally and personally. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and colleagues, all of whom were fortunate to know her.
Julie was not only a skilled professional but a beautiful and selfless person who touched the lives of everyone around her. She was devoted to her family, friends, and her beloved pets—Knox, Bella, and Dolly. Julie is survived by her mother, Mary Miller; her sister, Jeri (Tim) Barbo; her brother, Jamie (Trisha) Miller; nieces Carley (Troy) Butler, Cadence Miller, and Lilli Barbo; nephews Brian Barbo and Timmy Barbo; and great-nieces Harbor and Hollyn Butler, along with great-nephew Holden Jenkins “Jenks” Butler. Julie was preceded in death by her father, Jack Miller.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Burdine Free Will Baptist Church, 11549 hwy 805 Burdine, Kentucky 41517. Family will gather at 11:00 AM EST, with the public joining at Noon, followed by the service beginning at 1:00 PM EST. Julie will be laid to rest near her father in the Miller Family Cemetery in Burdine, Kentucky.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), a cause close to Julie’s heart. Your contributions will help further the fight against MMD, a disease that has affected her family.
Campbell-New Funeral Home in Albany, Kentucky is honored to be in charge of all arrangements.