Jasper Cecil Miller's Obituary
Jasper C. Miller, 77, of Palmetto, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023. He was born March 16, 1946 in Orangeburg, South Carolina to Shedrick Miller and Annie Mae Lincoln Miller.
He was affectionately known as “Jap.” Jasper was an avid family man who loved and enjoyed spending time with all of his family. As the family patriarch, he could be counted on to help younger generations to make and appreciate family connections, and keep family oral history alive through his vivid storytelling.
He had many titles to his name: husband, father/grandfather-just to name a few. Sometime after attending Lockett High School in Branchville, South Carolina, his 1st title became husband once he married Geneva Gissentaner on February 8, 1964. The pair moved to Florida, where the title of father was added with the birth of his first child in 1965. He also held the title of employee at Manatee County Utilities for over 30 years before retiring in 2011. Later in life, Jap became a widower after the passing of his 1st wife of 35 years. However, he was blessed to experience love again when he married his second wife, Darlene Thomas on September 7, 2013. In 2005, he decided to re-dedicate his life to Christ and faithfully attended Eternity Temple First Born Church where he served as a district deacon.
He is survived by his wife Darlene Thomas Miller; sister Shirley Haynes (Carl); sister-in-laws: Melissa Williams, Patsy Crawley; brother-in-laws: George Thomas (Sandra), Eric Thomas (Cheryl), Thomas Thomas (Kyung Ae), Gregory Thomas Sr.; Children: Eulalia Miller, Janet Griffin, Jasper Miller Jr.(Reneè), Eric Washington, Cecil Miller (Jami), Joyce Miller Oates (Derrick), Kevin Thomas (Megan); Grandchildren: Brittany Simmons, Tony Griffin II, Devan McDuffie, Eriq Porter, Cameron Washington, Aabrianna Oates, Xavier Porter, Derrick Oates Jr., Brennan Washington, Madison Thomas, Nigel Miller, Khloe Washington,Noah Thomas; great-grand children: Aaliyah McDuffie, Aalani McDuffie, Kalanie Porter; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Shedrick and Annie Mae Miller; Siblings: Eartha Felder, Jacob Miller, John Miller, Franklin Miller, Helen Gilyard, Maggie Edwards, Willa Dean Ross; Daughter Brenda Miller; First wife Geneva Miller.
Family will receive friends for a time of visitation on September 14, 2023 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Eternity Temple First Born Church (716 29th St. E, Palmetto, FL 34221). Funeral Services will follow Friday, September 15, 2023 at 11am at Happy Gospel Church (1915 53rd Ave. East, Bradenton, Fl 34203). Interment will be held at Skyway Memorial Gardens (5200 US Highway 19 North, Palmetto, Fl 34221).
Skyway Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with final care
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