Bethesda: The Right Team for the Miller Twins

Joe and Bill Miller are very brave. The 81-year-old twins, who live in Central Illinois, are St. Louis Cardinals fans in the middle of Cubs' country. Still, that doesn’t stop them from cheering for their team. They travel to St. Louis to root for their Cardinals often, normally returning with new T-shirts, hats or jackets. With the help of Bethesda, the twins even met Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, one of their favorite Cardinals.

They receive services at a home in Springfield, Ill. Joe is more outspoken than Bill. “Both are very caring and thankful for everything. They are always smiling,” says Leigh Mazrim, area director. They enjoy talking about their family and the ‘good ‘ole days.’

The twins have had a top notch work ethic having both worked at Goodwill Industries since 1969. Since they’ve been with Bethesda, they have told staff that they will retire “next year.”

Recreation is very important to the twins. They are avid bowlers, but are having a hard time coming upon St. Louis Cardinals bowling balls. They enjoy walking at the YMCA to stay in shape. Joe has planted a garden, while Bill is more of an animal person; he recently purchased a new bird for the house.

Spirituality is of great import to the twins, they are members of a neighborhood church and attend a weekly Bible class, through which they take part in camp each summer. Family is also significant to the twins. They are best friends, and live close to their cousins and also their guardians, Nancy and Glenn Mullins. They see their cousins often, generally taking good-natured ribbing about the Cardinals and giving it back about the Cubs.

Joe and Bill enjoy the supports that they receive from Bethesda, and staff in the area says that the twins are a pleasure to be around as well.