Tara Lee Miller (nee Briscoe), 44, of O’Fallon, IL, born on August 30, 1979, peacefully passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024.
Tara’s greatest love was being the mother of her two sons, Ryan and Jack. Known as ‘Momma Tara’ to all their friends, she extended her love to everyone who walked through her door. She was a constant source of strength and acceptance, always brightening days with her trademark humor and sarcasm. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel valued and loved. Her family describes her as the brightest light in any room, with unmatched charisma and wit. Her vibrant personality made friends everywhere she went, even in her final days.
Tara faced her battle with cancer with unparalleled grace and strength. She was an advocate for breast cancer research, volunteering her time and energy to support others facing similar challenges. She provided her wisdom, humor and encouragement to many cancer support groups with survivors and patients all over the world. Her courage and determination were an inspiration to all.
Tara loved a good mystery to solve on the ID channel, rollercoasters, concerts, trips with her boys, and Grandma Linda’s home cooking. She loved time bantering with her Mom and Dad and sister Kelly, and receiving their love and support in her journey. Her dinners and trips with friends were epic, with too many stories that cannot ever be shared. She loved her job and was in awe of the amazing support from her employer throughout these last months. Her pride was and will always be her sons, and the amazing young men they have become. Tara wanted to share her extreme gratitude and love for all the people who fought with her and for her in the cancer journey. The nurses and doctors were nothing short of amazing. Her gratitude and that of her family and friends is immeasurable. As Tara believed, this is sad, but it is not bad. All of this is good. From the first breath we take to the last, it is all good.
Tara embodied the spirit of Ted Lasso’s sentiment: “To the family you are born with and the one you make along the way.” Tara is survived by her mother, Vickie Jordan (nee Bingham); stepfather, Gary Jordan; her beloved sons, Ryan and Jack Miller; and her sister, Kelly Jordan. Beyond her biological family, Tara became an integral part of so many extended families including the Spradling-Ortega (Beth), Butting (Nikki), and Schmidt (Amanda) families, and countless other close friends.
Memorial donations may be made to the family in support of her sons, Ryan and Jack Miller. Condolences may be extended online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Winstanley Baptist Church, 9471 IL-161, Fairview Heights, IL 62208. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Winstanley Baptist Church, with a dessert reception immediately after.
Arrangements entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.
