Mr. J.W. Miller

MILLER, J.W. - Age 85, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at his residence. Family hour 10 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2015 at Dozier Memorial CME Church, 3212 S. Saginaw St., with funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. Rev. Antoine Shyne, Host Pastor. Bishop David Maxwell Officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the church 10 a.m. Monday. Mr. Miller will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., with the family present from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday. Mr. J. W. (Tampa) Miller began his journey of this life on May 2, 1930 in his birthplace, Hope, Arkansas. He was the second child born to Cornelius and Sirrilla (Ogburn) Miller. While surrounded by his loving and caring family, he departed this life from his home in Grand Blanc, Michigan on Tuesday, May 27, 2014. J. W. grew up in the Hempstead County area where he attended Blevins Training School. He was an exceptional athlete who achieved outstanding honors in track and field and was an All Star guard on the Blevins Panthers Basketball Team. His athletic awards included High Jump, Pole Vaulting, and Broad Jump. On July 27, 1952, Mr. Miller was united in Holy marriage to his high school sweetheart, Nina B. McFadden and they have remained steadfastly devoted to each other for 62 years. Four children were born to this union: Donna, Glen, Sheila and Cornelius Miller. Mr. Miller relocated to Flint and was employed by Buick Motor Division and later by AC Spark Plug: both divisions of General Motors, where he was a member of UAW Local 651. He retired in 1993 after 38 years of faithful service. At an early age, J. W. professed his hope in Christ and joined the Shorter Chapel A.M.E. Church. After moving to Flint, he united with Dozier Memorial C.M.E. Church where he served faithfully until his health failed. He was a loyal and dedicated usher for 50 years and also served on the Trustee Board. The church honored him on several occasions, including a 2008 award for his loyal and dedicated service. Mr. Miller enjoyed bowling and was a member of the "Early Bird Seniors". He was also fond of playing "Bid Whist" and frequently won championship trophies at the tournaments. Mr. Miller loved playing card games with the gentlemen of Hasslebring Senior Center, the "Friday Night Fellows", and his family members. He leaves to cherish his memory: devoted wife, Nina B. Miller of Grand Blanc, MI; 2 daughters: Donna (Howard) McNeal, Grand Blanc, MI, Sheila (Rodney) Graham of Flint, MI; 2 sons: Glen (Rhonda) of Queen Creek, AZ, Cornelius Miller & Sherry of Flint, MI; 6 grandchildren: Johnathan (Tutonial) Miller of Cordova, TN, Jacqueline and Phillip Miller of Oak Park, MI, Natasha Graham of Atlanta, GA, Christopher Scott and Brandon (Krystal) Miller of Lansing, MI; 3 great-grandchildren: Jordan, Jadin and Jamaer Miller of Lansing, MI; sister, Leomy Stuart-Rambo of Wichita, KS; 2 sisters-in-law: Dr. Jessie (Charles) Muldrew and Mary Nell Grace of Texarkana, TX; a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends, including Oscar Gipson and Tueria Roberts. Mr. Miller was preceded in death by his parents: Cornelius and Sirrilla Miller; brother: Jewell Miller; and sister: Cleo Lewis. The family extends special thanks to Pastor Shyne and the Dozier Memorial C.M.E. Church family, Pastor Jennings, and the Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church family, Valley Area Agency for the Aged, his many care givers and Nine East at Hurley Medical Center.

Mr. J.W. Miller

May 2, 1930 - May 26, 2015