Jayne Miller-Fritz

Psalms 150:6 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord”

Jayne Miller-Fritz passed away on February 10th, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones, after a warrior's battle against cancer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jayne was born on August 4, 1961 to parents Jacob and Joan Miller in Baltimore, MD. As a small child Jayne never wanted to miss anything. If a family member were going somewhere such as the store, taking a walk, or a drive; Jayne always wanted to go and would say "Jaynie too?.” After a time, her big brother nicknamed her Jaynie 2. As a young girl she was unafraid to try new things and had many scrapes, bruises, and some stitches to show for it. Having a strong work ethic instilled by her parents, Jayne would get up before dawn and work at Hardees before going to school. After school she would practice as a member of the Morristown-Hamblen High School West Marching Band Flag Corps. She was also an avid tennis player. She graduated from West High School in 1979. 

 Although her family moved to Morristown, Tennessee from Baltimore in 1970, the Chesapeake Bay and blue crabs always held a special place in her heart. When she could get good crab meat, she would make traditional Maryland crab cakes using her grandmother’s recipe to the delight of her family and guests.

Jayne graduated with a master’s degree in Audiology in 1987. After school, she worked all over the Tri-Cities, but Mountain Region Speech and Hearing Center remained her home away from home. She went on to serve her community as one of its premier audiologists for more than thirty years. She specialized in simplifying the transition to cochlear implants for previously hearing-impaired children. Her patients meant the world to her, and she meant the world to them. As a result, she was and is incredibly well known in her field for her selflessness and for the incredible care she gave to her patients. 

In 1982 she met the love of her life, Mack Fritz Jr. at East Tennessee State University. They celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary on December 28, 2024. They had their daughter, Alexandra Hodge (Allie), in 1994. Though they only had one child, they had many dogs, cats, and other animals which were all considered their children. Jayne’s love for animals was unmatched. Jayne believed it was her calling to care for unwanted animals. Her family never knew what rescue she was going to bring home next. 

In the time she was not devoting herself to her patients, Jayne loved spending time with her family and animals. She was an incredible cook and loved to entertain. In recent years, she and Mack could be found floating on Cherokee Lake in their boat. It was their favorite way to unwind together and to spend time with friends and family. She was a “Mom” to many within her personal life and career. A selfless caregiver, Jayne often took on this role for family members in need, to include her own mother, aunt, father-in-law, and mother-in-law. She was a fierce protector of those she loved and always endeavored to do what was right by others, often putting their needs above her own. Through her acts of kindness, generosity and providing for those around her (both people and animals), she has left a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. 

Jayne is not only remembered for her giving nature, but also her beautiful smile and personality that always lit up the room. Her sense of humor and frank opinions were sure to keep a conversation lively and engaging. She was strong in her faith and always looked to God for any answers she needed. She truly believed in the statement “everything happens for a reason.” 

Her eye for design was incredible. She had a deep sense of personal style and did not shy away from sparkling adornments and a popped collar. She stated daily to her daughter, “dress well and be brilliant.” She was so proud of her family and believed you could accomplish anything as long as you had faith and were dressed well. She will always light up our memories with a glisten from her jewelry. 

Though she is no longer on this earth, she is victorious from cancer in eternal life and happily reunited with her family. Jayne is taking up a post at the Rainbow Bridge playing with her many animals that went before her.

She is survived by her husband, Mack Fritz Jr.; her daughter, Alexandra Hodge (Justin); grandson, Jacob Hodge; brother, Ross Miller (Kim); niece and goddaughter, Lara (Miller) Bayles; and great-nieces Joanna and Cate Bayles. She is also survived by many other nieces, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Jacob Miller and mother, Joan Miller. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the local animal shelter of your choice in Jayne’s honor. Jayne received a multitude of blood products during her treatment. For those who are able and willing, blood donations are sure to help those in need. 

A celebration of life service will take place March 29, 2025 from 12:00pm-4:00pm in the HP Room at Foundation Event Facility (620 State St #1003, Bristol, TN 37620). A private reception for family to follow.

The family would like to thank Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and the University of Tennessee Cancer Institute for the incredible care given to Jayne during her multiple treatments and visits.