Fay Miller

Fay Rosandra Mills Miller, 81, departed this life on November 6, 2023. Fay was born to the union of George Mills and Myrtle Perkins on November 27, 1941, in Kingston, Jamaica. As she grew inter teens, she was given the nickname “Bubbles”. Her curiosity for fashion during her teens led her into sewing her own clothes, and she became very skilled at the craft.

In 1960, at the age of 19, she moved from Kingston to Chicago, Illinois, where she would eventually meet Willie “Johnny” Miller. They married on February 20, 1965, and moved to South Bend, Indiana the following year. Of this union, one son, Christopher, was born. Fay lived in South Bend for 51 years, and in Cincinnati, Ohio for 6 years.

In South Bend, Fay worked for several manufacturing companies where she utilized her sewing skills to make stadium seat cushions, garment bags, and more. Her last place of employment before retirement was at Smor Cases, Inc., a carrying cases manufacturer owned by James Watts. Fay continued to do alterations for friends and family. She also continued making dresses for special occasions including the wedding gown for her son’s bride in 1998.  

In free time, Fay enjoyed music, dancing, and cooking. Most significantly, she was an avid bowler. She bowled in many leagues for more than two decades and she participated in bowling tournaments throughout the country. Bowling provided an opportunity for Fay to travel and a space to build and enjoy lifelong friendships. She loved connecting with and being with people from various backgrounds and heritages.

In addition to these activities, Fay enjoyed attending church and being of service to the Lord and the community. She served in many capacities at St. Paul Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in South Bend, including being a member of the usher board and food pantry. After moving to Cincinnati, she joined New Jerusalem Baptist Church and served as an usher.

Fay is survived by one son, Christopher (Tracey) Miller; three granddaughters, Aryana, Krysta and Janeesa Miller; five brothers, Michael (Patricia) Mills, Carlyle G. (Olivia) Mills, George A. (Sharon) Mills, Jr., Lloyd (Shirley) Ormsby, and Barrington Morrison; four sisters, Shirley Mills, Beverly (Will) Hubbard, Cassandra (Matthew) Gibson and Toni Mills; two god-daughters, Crystal McCain and Wendy Binion; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Fay was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 45 years, and four brothers.

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