Tributes to former Advertiser journalist and Whalley 'community stalwart'

Tributes have been paid to a former reporter of the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times and much-loved Whalley resident.
The late Jean MillerThe late Jean Miller
The late Jean Miller

Jean Miller, nee Chatburn, who started work at the Advertiser straight from school then went on in later life to be the Whalley correspondent for the newspaper, has died at the age of 81.

She followed in journalism in the footsteps of her father, Carey Chatburn, who was editor of the Clitheroe Adveriser in the 1960s. Her brother Roy, a freelance photographer, later went on to take pictures for the Advertiser keeping the family connection with the publication.

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Born at the family home, Gleneagles, Lamb Roe, between Barrow and Whalley, Jean attended Barrow village school before attending Clitheroe Royal Grammar School for Girls. She carried on working as a journalist for a few years after her marriage to her former husband, the late Eric Miller, giving up work after the birth of their daughter Caroline and son Charles.

The family lived in Simonstone and Padiham, before moving to Whalley in 1991. It was then she became the village correspondent for the Advertiser.

She was a keen member of Padiham Ladies Circle and then Tangent and always retained a keen interest in local affairs.

Ill health forced her move to Craven Nursing Home, Skipton, to be near Caroline who lives in Ilkley with husband Tony and son Oliver. Charles lives in the Isle of Man with his wife Ann.

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Jean’s funeral, a private service because of Covid-19 restrictions, will take place at Accrington Crematorium, followed by interment at Clitheroe Cemetery at a later date.

Jean had suffered from type one diabetes since her late teens and donations in her memory can be sent to Diabetes UK, c/o Clitheroe Funeral Services, 10-12 Whalley Road, Clitheroe, BB7 1AW.