Mother Loretta Louise Miller, daughter of Mr. Alfred Barkum and Mary Martin, was born on January 25, 1932, in Gulfport, MS. She was the 13th child of 14 children and was the sole survivor of her siblings. Mother Miller joined Little Rock Baptist Church at a young age and continued her membership until she moved from Mississippi. She attended 33rd High School in Gulfport, MS, where she was a member of the basketball team and participated in many school plays. She continued her formal education at Compton College, Compton, CA, at Cal-State San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, and at Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut, CA. In 1953 she married Bernard Hayes. After a brief union, she divorced Mr. Hayes and in 1954, married Ray Miller.
In 1964 Ray and Loretta moved their 4 children to Los Angeles, California in search of a better opportunity for their family. After arriving in California, she joined New Brighter Day Baptist Church in Compton, CA. Mother Miller worked hard, card for her family and served the Lord with gladness. She also joined a successful Women's League Baseball Team and played shortstop.
In 1972, Mother Miller moved to Pomona, CA and joined Holy Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout her life she was a presser at a dry cleaner's, a teacher's aide for the school district and a machine operator Avery Labels.
When Mother Miller retired, she relocated back to Gulfport, MS and joined Little Rock Baptist Church. Being the servant that she was, she took care of her older brother sister until their passing. In 2009, she moved in with her youngest daughter in San Bernardino County California. In 2018 she moved to Utah with her daughter and husband and remained there during the COVID Pandemic. She had always planned for her final resting place to be Gulfport, MS, her home. She continued to share love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who would listen. She was healthy, happy, and full of life until her final breath.
God called Mothe Loretta Louise Miller home on March 19, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Field; her 3 sons, Randall Ray, Ronald Dale, and Cedric Keith.
She leaves to mourn her memories, 3 daughters, Judy, Fay, Robin Lynn, and Marsha Kim; 11 grandchildren, Christopher, Nona-Kerry, Byron (Tanesha), Kevin (Yolie) , Cicely (Keith) Randall II, Tahlitha, LaShawn, Fela, Sr., David, and Joy; and a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Mother Loretta Miller loved God and she loved her family. She leaves a beautiful legacy and wonderful loving spirit for family and friends to carry on. You will always be in our hearts "corner Lo."