Surrounded by loved ones, Clarissa Miller passed away at the age of fifty-six in Wichita, Kansas on February 20, 2025, after a courageous battle with colon cancer. She lived a life marked by resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to serving others. Awaiting her in heaven were her father Jack Wesley Nelson, mother Kirma Parkinson Nelson, second mother Ada Ann Strickland Nelson, father-in-law John Wesley Miller, Jr., mother-in-law Dorothy Louise Miller, brother Phillip Joel Norris, Jr., sister Tamara Anne Norris, and brother-in-law Timothy Watson Lewis.

Born on December 30, 1968, in Blackfoot, Idaho, Clarissa was the youngest of six children born to Jack and Kirma Nelson. Early in her life, she experienced some hearing loss that would not be fully discovered until later. The way that she adapted to this loss set the stage for how she handled other difficulties in her life. Hardships were never an excuse. They were just a part of life, and overcoming them not only made her stronger but also gave her empathy for others.

When Clarissa was about three years old, her family moved to Meridian, Idaho. At this time, her mother taught a music expressions class for preschool age children in their home, and Clarissa was an eager participant in the class. Unfortunately, Clarissa would only have about five more years with her mother who passed away when Clarissa was eight, but thankfully, her second mother Ada Nelson joined the family in 1978, and she added three new sisters and a brother to the mix; as well as a new home in Boise, Idaho.

From an early age, Clarissa found joy in the performing arts. She participated in musical theater productions as a child and played the role of Gretel in The Sound of Music several times. While attending Meridian High School, she was active in the drill team and choir, and she also competed in the Miss Meridian scholarship pageant, placing as second runner up.

On Aug. 26, 1988, she married Robert Gerard Cooper. During this union six beautiful children were born: Natalie, Joshua, Elizabeth, Zachary, Quinton, and Ethan. Clarissa's days were filled with supporting her children in school, sports, show choir, and church activities. Being a mother was a full time responsibility which she loved. Unfortunately, she was not exempt from life's challenges, and she later divorced in 2012.

Over the next several years, Clarissa faced difficulties that no one would have ever anticipated, but she came out on top. She dedicated her life to giving a hand up to others who were in need. Her greatest supporter and friend during this time was Marvin Miller, whom she wed on May 12, 2018. Her son Quinton was also a great source of strength to his mother.

Marrying Marvin brought additional blessings when Clarissa became stepmother to Carmen and Elaina and grandma to their children. Watching her grandsons play football, spending holidays with family, and supporting all of her children in times of need brought her great joy. Her greatest desire was to attend Natalie's wedding celebration this coming May. Although she will not be there physically, she will be there in spirit.

Clarissa's personal and professional pursuits also exemplified a person who cared about others. Attending Butler Community College and Wichita State University, she was working toward a degree in social work, a testament to her lifelong commitment to helping those in need. Her career choices also reflected this passion—she worked as a Mary Kay consultant, served the hearing-impaired through Hamilton Relay, and assisted veterans through her work with Kansas Mental Health of America.

Clarissa's faith was central to who she was. A devoted disciple of Christ, she believed deeply in serving others. During the first twenty years of her adult life, she dedicated many hours to service within a large women's organization, and for the past decade, she focused on aiding those experiencing addiction and homelessness, most recently through her work with Church on the Street Wichita. There she taught Bible Study, sang in worship services, and served meals to the homeless.

Her dedication to helping others was recognized in 2016 by The Kansas City Substance Abuse Treatment Recovery Support Coalition who honored her with the Community Volunteer Unsung Hero Award. This award reflected not only her tireless efforts but also her personal journey—having overcome addiction herself, she spent the rest of her life guiding others toward recovery with empathy and strength.

Clarissa is survived by her devoted husband, Marvin; her children: Natalie (Zach), Joshua, Elizabeth, Zachary, Quinton, and Ethan; her stepdaughters: Carmen (Trevor) and Elaina; her grandchildren: Marley, Finlai, Amelie, Isaac, Landon, and Harlowe; her siblings: Wesley (Renea), Robert (Cheryl), Enid, Dawna (Paul), Debra, Jackie (Charlie), and Kimberly; sisters-in-law: Dorine (Tod) and Annette; brothers-in-law: Kenneth, Jonathan, and Terrance; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service will be held on March 29, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Church on the Street Wichita (445 N Market St., Wichita, KS 67202) to honor Clarissa's life and legacy.

Clarissa's unwavering kindness and dedication to service touched countless lives. Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched as we strive to be as courageous, compassionate, and caring as she was.

For those who would like to help support Clarissa's work with Church on the Street, donations can be made by using the link: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/2291077.

Arrangements are with Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas.