Elder John William Miller, Jr.

June 27, 1953 ~ October 7, 2025        (age 72)

Elder John William Miller Jr., known affectionately to many as "Lucky," was born on June 27, 1953, in South Bend, IN, USA, and passed away on October 7, 2025. A man of many talents and boundless kindness, John's life was characterized by his dedication to serving others, his love for music, and his unwavering faith. He was a beloved member of the South Bend community, where he not only resided but also left an indelible mark through his many accomplishments and acts of service.

John's passion for music began at the tender age of 12, when he started taking organ lessons, a passion he continued to nurture throughout his life, even serving as a minister and organist at St. Luke COGIC from 1996 onward. He was a man of faith, having accepted Christ as his savior at an early age at Christ Temple COGIC. One of his major accomplishments was becoming the founder of Brighter Day COCIC on May 1, 2022. John was also a successful entrepreneur, owning and managing the Magnificent 1 Beauty Salon for six years and continued offering his cosmetology skills in the Beauty Salon at Heritage Place Apartments. His career as a social worker and nurse, however, was where his heart truly lay. After graduating from LaSalle High School, he pursued higher education relentlessly, earning his Associate's Degree in General Studies from IUSB in 1984, LPN license from Southwestern Michigan College in 1987, and Bachelor's Degree in Human Services in 2002. He spent many years caring for the people of South Bend, working in area nursing homes and making a significant impact on the lives of those he served.

John, a man of deep connections, held his family and friends close to his heart. He was the cherished brother of Gloria Lyvers, Janice Miller, Mattie Hoover and brother-in-law of Frank Lena Miller all of South Bend, IN. John also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, who were the joy of his life. His close friends, Steve Beno, Lance Watkins will truly remember his warm spirit and contagious laughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr. and Jimmie Hoover, his maternal grandparents; James and Louvena Richard, his paternal grandparents; Dearwood Miller and Carrie Mitchell, his aunt, Annie Chambliss, his brother, Kenneth R. Miller, a brother-in-law, Bert Lyvers and two dear friends Jose Cardenas and Ernestine Jones. 

Please join us in celebrating John's life at his wake on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Alford's Mortuary, 1222 Napier Street, South Bend, Indiana, from 5:00pm. His homegoing service will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Pentecostal Cathedral COGIC, 1025 West Western Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, at 11:00am.

Elder John William Miller's life was a testament to the power of faith, the beauty of music, and the importance of service, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

10/16/2025 djb

https://www.alfordsmortuaryinc.com/obituary/ElderJohn-MillerJr