Mary Jean Miller

Mary Jean Miller was a woman of unwavering faith, deep compassion, and unconditional love.

Born on October 3, 1942, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Melvin and Olevia Lubin, Mary’s life was firmly rooted in her devotion to God and her commitment to family. On December 29, 2025, she passed away peacefully at her home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, surrounded by loved ones, following complications related to dementia.

Mary’s early years in Lake Charles were shaped by the guidance of her parents and the love of a large family, which instilled in her a lifelong trust in God and strong family values. At a young age, Mary gave her life to Christ and was baptized, beginning a faith journey that remained central throughout her life. Mary was a devoted member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully for 76 years. She was in the Sunbeam and Inspiration Choir and was known for her rendition of the gospel classic “Order My Steps.” Additionally, she served as a Deaconess. She also mentored youth through the Voices of Calvary under the leadership of Darryl and Mechelle Jefferson. Mary loved sound preaching and gospel music. She was blessed to host pastors and gospel recording artists in her home. In her quiet moments, she could often be found seated in her recliner, reading her Bible or listening to gospel music—faith was her constant companion.

As a young woman, Mary met the love of her life, Lafayette Miller Jr., a proud United States Air Force serviceman. From that moment, their lives were intertwined. They were married on May 1st, 1959, and shared 65 beautiful years of marriage marked by love, partnership, and faith. Together, Mary and Lafayette built a life across many places because of Lafayette's military service. They began their family in Lake Charles, Louisiana, welcoming their first son, Ronald Edward Miller. While stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, they welcomed their second son, Kevin Allen Miller. Later, during assignments in Kokomo, Indiana, and Tachikawa, Japan, they welcomed their children, Jeanise Olevia Miller-Bolling and Jeffrey Brian Miller.

Mary devoted many years to being a stay-at-home mother, where she developed her wellknown love of cooking and baking. Once her children were older, she entered the workforce and held several customer service positions in government and the private sector, including cashier, customer service associate, and bank teller. She later retired from the Calcasieu Parish Tax Assessor’s Office to care for her mother. Mary had a rare ability to see potential in others, often extending kindness and second chances where others might not—values she carried both professionally and personally.

Beyond her work, Mary found joy in preparing meals that brought family and friends together. Her cooking was known not only for its flavor, but for the love with which it was prepared. She also enjoyed traveling extensively with her husband during his Air Force career and continued to travel widely with family and friends after his retirement, creating cherished memories through annual trips both nationally and internationally. No matter where life took her, home remained Mary’s greatest treasure. She and Lafayette created a home that was a place of warmth, welcome, and fellowship. Anyone who entered was greeted with kindness and encouraged to enjoy whatever meal Mary had lovingly prepared.

Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She deeply loved her children—Ronald, Kevin, Jeanise, and Jeffrey—and poured wisdom, encouragement, and love into their lives. She especially cherished her role as “Grandmother,” affectionately known as “Bae-Bae” and “Bub,” delighting in babysitting, storytelling, and making Saturday morning breakfasts.

Mary is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Lafayette Miller Jr., and her son, Kevin Allen Miller. She leaves to cherish her children: Ronald Edward (Annik) Miller of Forest, Virginia; Jeanise Olevia (Larry) Bolling of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Jeffrey Brian (Christina) Miller Sr. of Lake Charles, Louisiana. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Gary Badgett II, Denzel Badgett, Leah Kimble, Jeffrey Miller Jr., Amanda Miller, Briana Miller, Colin (Aurora) Miller; and her great-grandchildren: Skye Jackson, Gavin Badgett, Gracelyn Badgett, Remy Harris, Becham Gauthier, and Shilo Miller. She also leaves behind her godchildren, Matthew Lubin and Tiffany Etienne; her brother, Sherman Lubin; her dear friends, Talton and Shirley Cooper; and a host of relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Lafayette, and son, Kevin, Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Olevia Lubin.

Though Mary Jean Miller has departed this earthly life, her legacy of faith, kindness, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her and for generations to come.

Services will be Saturday, January 17th, 2026. Viewing at 9:00 a.m., expression at 10:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Pastor Elmore Garner, Officiating.

Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles, Louisiana.