Retha Dawn “Short” Pierce Miller

of Melbourne, Arkansas

Retha Dawn Pierce-Miller “Short,” 63, of Melbourne, Arkansas, passed away on August 1, 2026. Retha was born on March 12, 1963, in Batesville, Arkansas, to Shirley Brown Pierce and the late Wayne Pierce of Melbourne Arkansas. 

During her 63 years on this earth, Retha built a life defined by unwavering faith, strength, compassion, and a love that knew no bounds. She was far more than a wife, mother, nana, sister, and friend - she was the heart of her family. She was the one everyone turned to for comfort, guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and deeply loved, always placing the needs of others before her own. 

One of Retha’s greatest joys was her family - both the one she was born into and the one she lovingly built throughout her life. 

Her greatest calling was being a mother. She married young and poured every ounce of her heart into raising her three daughters, loving them with a fierceness only a mother can understand. Later in life, she found love again when she married the love of her life, Marc Miller, and gained three more bonus kids.

 What began as a new chapter became one of the most treasured seasons of her life. Together, Retha and Marc shared 27 wonderful years filled with laughter, adventures, traveling around the world, and countless cherished memories. Through every joy and every hardship, Marc stood faithfully by her side. Together they built a beautiful life centered around love and family.

 Retha also dedicated many years of her life to serving others through her career in financial services with Modern Woodmen of America. She took great pride in helping families, building lasting relationships, and making a difference in the lives of those she served. Her coworkers became much more than colleagues, they became lifelong friends whom she loved dearly. Even after retirement, those friendships remained one of the greatest blessings of her life.

 She was also an avid and devoted Melbourne Bearkatz fan. Whether she was cheering from the stands or following along from home, she proudly supported her Bearkatz every chance she had. Her enthusiasm and school spirit were just another reflection of her love for her community. 

Retha leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on through her husband of 27 years, Marc Miller; her three daughters, Mami Sullins (TJ), Kirby Hurtt (Rusty), Kelsi Bray (Nic), Step-Children, Jason Miller (Tonya), Mandy Hunt (Shawn), Luke Miller (McKee) her mother, Shirley Mae Pierce; her sister, Nanette Holt; and her brother-in-law, Steve Miller. 

She also leaves behind the grandchildren who brought endless joy to her life: Gus Cooper (Macy), Cash Cooper (Jules), Tucker Sullins, Jaxon Sanders (Linzi), Cason Sanders (Tayler), Maeci Pool, Stella Hurtt, Riley Hurtt, Quincy Hurtt, Chase McCurley, Chaylee McCurley, Jett Bray, Avery Herrera (Jesus), Cael Bray, Jordan Bray, Ty Miller, Garron Miller (Sophie), Bailey-Rae Miller, Carsen Hunt, Brinkley Hunt, Katy Miller, Sam Hunt, Mady Hunt, and her bonus granddaughter, Tru Friend (Ayden). Great-grandchildren, Raelynn Mae Cooper, Bryar Dean Barnes, and Maverick Lane Sanders. She is also survived by a beloved nephew, niece, numerous cousins, extended family members, and a large circle of treasured friends who became family. 

She was preceded in death by her daddy, Wayne Pierce; her grandparents, Stella Brown, Leasle Brown, Inez Pierce; and her beloved grandsons, Jasper Pool, Aaden McCurley, and Colter Bray. 

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 4, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Melbourne First Baptist Church. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Albert Hurst and Rick Burke officiating. Burial will follow at Old Philadelphia Cemetery under the direction of Eddie’s Family Funeral Home.

 Pallbearers will be Gus Cooper, Cash Cooper, Jaxon Sanders, Cason Sanders, Riley Hurtt, Chase McCurley, Cael Bray, Jordan Bray, Ty Miller, and Garron Miller.

 Honorary pallbearers will be Trey Holt, Jett Bray, Tucker Sullins, Sam Hunt, and her beloved Modern Woodmen of America family.