Sequoia Mae Miller

Sequoia Mae (Duncan) Miller, 86, of Marshalltown, passed away Sunday, December 26, 2021 at Accura Healthcare. The family is honoring Sequoia’s request and she will be cremated and a private family memorial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to her family. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with caring for Sequoia and her family. For further information or to send her family a condolence, please visit mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Sequoia was born in Des Moines on July 18, 1935, the eldest of fourteen children, seven boys and seven girls. Throughout her life, Sequoia was fortunate to reside in Des Moines, Marshalltown, Denver, CO and Salina, KS. While living in Des Moines, she joined the Corinthian Baptist Church under the direction of Reverend Michael C. Burton where she served on The Mother’s Board. Most recently, Sequoia resided in Marshalltown where she was a member of the Second Baptist Church under the direction of Reverend Terrance Cooley and served on the The Mother’s Board. At home you could hear Sequoia singing her favorite hymn, “Blessed Assurance”.  Her favorite scripture was “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13, KJV. Sequoia loved knitting, fishing, baking and cooking. She was best-known for her chicken and dumplings who, I am sure, every one of her grandchildren and great grandchildren helped her make over the years. She loved spoiling ALL of them. You could always find her cheering on her Denver Broncos, watching HGTV, the Hallmark Channel or old Westerns. Survivors include her daughter, Jaenine “Gigi” Stewart, her sons: Ralph (Latrenda) Maxwell, Jr., Michael Maxwell and Steven Maxwell; five brothers: Earthol (Jackie) Duncan, Jr., James (Barbara) Duncan, Sr., Malvin Duncan, Ricardo Duncan and Clyde (Juanita) Duncan, Sr.; five sisters: Chiquita Lee, Quintheta Lowery, Lolita Duncan, Synthia Humphrey and Rosita (Warren) Duncan-Robertson; 17 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; 6 great, great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Preceding her in death are her parents; Earthol and Marie Duncan, Sr, a daughter, Marie “Toni” Garcia; two brothers, Johnathan Duncan and Omar Duncan, Sr. and a sister, Marcelline Anderson. The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to the staff at Accura Healthcare and the Iowa River Hospice for caring for Mom. Lovingly written by her family.