Miriam Jean Jolly

Miriam Jolly, of Bradenton, Fl passed away on April 20, 2021.

Miriam was born a true Libra on October 8, 1942, in Kokomo, IN to Jay Warren Stoner and Ruth Newton who cared so much about their only daughter (and Ruth was known to have quite the lead foot at the wheel on their great shopping trips to Chicago)

Miriam was joined in Heaven by her amazing daughter, Michelle Bush, who passed away a mere four days later on April 24, 2021 following a long illness. They always had a close connection, and now don’t have to rely on an Alexa to keep in touch.

“MeMe” is survived by her loving son Kurt and his phenomenal partner Larry Saviers, Michelle’s wonderful children Nathan Sky and Jacob Sky Bush aka the SkyBros, and their father and Michelle’s fantastic husband Jerry Bush.

Miriam was graduate of the Education department of Ball State University in Muncie IN, where she met her husband Roy Jolly in a dispute over squash (the vegetable, not the game) at a sorority dinner.  He was a extraordinary husband, eye doctor, and above all, father who passed away on April 25, 2009.

Mrs. Jolly found her calling in mentoring children, received a Masters in education from Nova University, and was a teacher and innovator at many educational institutions in Bradenton and Longboat Key.  She was the Principal at Manatee School of Arts and Sciences, a charter school she opened, until she retired.  She truly cared about each of her students and wanted the best for all of them.

Miriam was a member of many community and professional organizations. She is a life member of Entre Nous, and contributed to many educational and arts programs as well.

Miriam enjoyed creating art, wrapping Christmas presents to Hallmark movies, eating  dinner at fun local restaurants, and caring for others.  She truly loved to make sure everyone was happy and would help to make sure they had the life they wanted to live.

n lieu of flowers please donate to St. Judes, Tidewell Hospice, the Ball State Alumni foundation or the Embracing our Differences art exhibit

A Celebration of Life will be announced at later date (when the world is less of a dumpster fire)