Jewel Alice (Miller) Wagner, the beloved daughter of Virgil and Rosa (Garlett) Miller, was born on September 7, 1925, in Sargent, Missouri. She began her education at Sargent rural school and continued at Cabool Public School, where she proudly graduated in 1943. Jewel embarked on a fulfilling teaching career shortly after high school, working at various rural schools while pursuing summer college courses to attain her teaching certification. In 1955, she began her tenure at Willow Springs Public School, where she dedicated herself to education until her retirement in 1991. Jewel’s commitment to excellence in teaching was recognized in 1976 when she was honored as Teacher of the Year by the Howell County Conservation Committee, and in 1977, she received a nomination for the NACD-Allis Chalmers Environmental Conservation Education Awards in Atlanta, Georgia.
On November 9, 1945, Jewel married Donald Wagner, and together they settled on the Wagner Family farm. They welcomed their only son, Michael “Mick” Wagner, into their lives in 1950. Jewel lived on the family farm until she peacefully passed away on January 11, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100.
A devout Christian, Jewel dedicated her life to her faith at the age of 12 when she joined Mt. Pisgah Freewill Baptist Church, later becoming a member of Faith & Hope Church. Her community involvement extended to several organizations, including the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post #473, she was a charter member of the Cabool Delta Kappa Gamma, and a proud member of the Eastern Star. She also held the distinction of being the first woman to serve as adjutant in Captain William Hayes Spanish American Post #61, both in Missouri and nationwide.
Jewel had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying hunting and teaching hunter education classes. She also engaged in hobbies such as bird watching, gardening, rock collecting, and many others that brought her joy.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Rosa Miller; her husband, Donald Wagner; her son, Michael “Mick” Wagner; her granddaughter, Rebecca “Becky” Wagner; as well as her brother, Wayne Miller, and sisters, May Allen and Naomi Wisdom.
Jewel is survived by her daughter-in-law, Marcia Wagner; her grandson, Michael “Joe” Wagner; and great-grandchildren, Christian Koehler, Brayden, Cameron, and Jazlyn Wagner.
In remembrance of Jewel, we cherish her favorite poem, “Stepping Ashore” by James Buchanan Coats, which reflects her faith and the hope she carried throughout her life:
“But just think of stepping on shore
And finding it heaven,
Of touching a hand and finding it God’s,
Of breathing new air and finding it celestial,
Of waking up in glory and finding it home.”
Jewel Alice (Miller) Wagner will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her contributions to education, and her deep faith. She touched the lives of many, and her spirit will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.
