by JLGL Historian Sheila Lotterhos

With bright eyes and a smile to match, 94-year-old Sustainer Emeritus Ann Guilford Miller always appears as if she is up to something. That something is always good and often involves sharing stories about Lakeland’s past. This past includes Ann’s experiences in the Jr. Welfare League and its successor, the Jr. League of Greater Lakeland. And while Ann can recount League events as vividly as the day they occurred, Ann’s daughter, Sustainer Laura Miller Taft, loves recounting Ann’s experiences, too.

Born in Lakeland on August 10, 1930, Ann is the granddaughter of a Methodist minister and “a lifelong Methodist” who still remembers the Methodist Church downtown before its move to the shores of Lake Morton. Ann also remembers our building in its early years as family members actually lived in and managed the building when it belonged to the Sorosis Club.

After graduating from Lakeland High School in 1948, the spunky Miss Ann Guilford attended Florida State for two years where she pledged Kappa Delta. Ann then returned to Lakeland to marry the love of her life, James “Jim” Miller on 3 September, 1950. That same year Ann was invited to join the Junior Welfare League. “The invitation to join in those days was a surprise” shared Ann, and these surprise invitations remained so for many years afterward.

Tink Annis was president when Ann Miller and Sarah McKay did their Provisional year together, and those early members set a course that was truly outstanding. Ann went in at age 20 and was a member for 20 years before becoming a Sustainer at age 40! She has witnessed many changes throughout her 74 years as a member, but with her adventurous spirit and devotion to the League, Ann remains current.

What was Ann’s favorite placement? The answer: “Oh, that’s easy. Hands down it was Children’s Theatre.” Ann also chaired this committee in 1964. Another favorite activity was Jr. League Follies in which Ann loved to perform. Ann’s daughter Laura is quick to point out, “After several years on Children’s Theatre and doing Follies, Mom was ready for Broadway, whether Broadway was ready for Mom or not!” Ann often played the protagonist like the Big Bad Wolfe in “Little Red Riding Hood” or the lead in “Rumpelstiltskin” because those parts were more fun.

When the League produced “The Goose Girl”, Ann had to pull a live rabbit out of a hat. In this case, it was an albino rabbit named “Red Eyes” which just so happened to belong to the Miller sisters. Red Eyes stole the show when he managed to escape and run all through the audience at Cleveland Court Elementary much to the delight of the squealing children in attendance!

The Cerebral Palsy Clinic was also a beneficiary of Ann’s placement hours as was Bargain Box, the League’s thrift store. Laura and her two sisters, along with other League members’ daughters, enjoyed going with their moms to this placement. Laura and Kathy Fengler Mullens, whose mother was the late Audrey Fengler, were two such children who went on to co-chair Thrift Sale together. Mary Askew Hinson was another Thrift Sale Chair/former Bargain Box “helper” with her mom, the late Virginia Askew.

Ann was the Recording Secretary of the Jr. Welfare League when we started the years long process to qualify for membership in the Association of Junior Leagues. Then in 1991, the Millers left Lakeland to go to Tallahassee where Ann worked for the governor for several years and ran the ministry for the elderly at First Methodist Church there. Upon her return, Ann has been active in Circle Ten at Lakeland’s First Methodist, PEO, antiques club, and the Junior League where she was named Sustainer of The Year for her devoted involvement as a Sustainer Emeritus. Ann tries never to miss an activity and is often seen with Laura at League events. And everywhere Ann goes, her friendly personality goes, too.

So on 10 August 2024, her 94th birthday, may we extend our warmest wishes, love, and gratitude for her 74 years of League service to our dear friend, Ann Miller. Happy Birthday, Ann, and Many Happy Returns throughout the year to come!

Love you, Ann!