Teresa Kelly Miller passed away November 30, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with metastatic ovarian cancer. Services will be held on Friday, January 5th at Island Cremations & Funeral Home: 12:00 calling and 1:00 memorial.

Born in Louisiana, she grew up in Bonifay, Florida and stayed in touch with her fellow Holmes County High classmates. Living in several cities around the state of Florida, she settled in Merritt Island, where she raised her family.

Teresa’s professional career was dedicated to public health. Joining the Department of Health in Brevard County in 1987, she was instrumental in developing the HIV/AIDS department at a crucial time in the epidemic when treatment options were still minimal. Her prior work experience with AHCA/Medicaid and disability was an asset to the development of HIV client-centered service. Her contribution was vital in implementing the first Medicaid waiver (Project AIDS Care) in Brevard County early in the HIV epidemic; the first county to do so in the central Florida area. She co-wrote the first grant in central Florida for Ryan White funding which continues today. In 1992 she became the supervisor for the Brevard County Department of Health HIV/AIDS department. Teresa retired from the Department of Health in 2019, coming back in 2021 to assist with COVID outreach.

In retirement, Teresa relaxed into the role of “G-Ma,” accompanying her daughter, Amy, with granddaughters, Kaia and Kailin shopping at Costco, lunching and to appointments. During this last year while going through chemotherapy and hospitalizations, she was cheered on and cared for by these loving granddaughters.

Teresa has left a legacy of love, healing and humor that will live on in those who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Raymond and Lois Kelly.

She is survived by her brother, Tommy Kelly; sister, Cheryl Igler; son, Aaron Miller; daughter, Amy Crawford (son-in-law DJ Crawford); granddaughters Kaia and Kailin Crawford; daughter, Alex Miller (daughter-in-law Kat Miller), and many nieces and nephews.

Family condolences can be sent to Amy Crawford’s attention at 5140 Holden Road, Cocoa, Florida 32927. Floral arrangements can be sent directly to the funeral home on January 5th before 12pm.