Wil Miner Obituary I Wilford Ulysses Miner Born on May 2, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, Wilford Ulysses Miner was the third of four sons born to Lenworth and Ida Mae (Green) Miner. He grew up in Pontiac, Michigan, where his father pastored Macedonia Baptist Church and his mother, the First Lady of the church, devoted herself to raising their four boys: Lenworth Jr., Major, Wilford, and Dennis.
Wilfords father, mother and oldest brother Lenworth Jr. all preceded him in death.
Wilford graduated from Pontiac High school where he was a member of the marching band. He went on to attend Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan earning his bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Advertisements. Shortly after graduation, Wilford began his professional career at Household Finance, a fortune 500 Company.
Wilford’s dedication and work ethic allowed him to quickly rise through the ranks, earning him multiple awards and accolades, including the prestigious, “Manager of the Year” awarded to him three times during his tenure. Under his leadership, and throughout his 30 year career, his offices consistently ranked among the top 10 within the company. Wilford took great pride in his achievements, rarely ever missing a day of work.
In 1982 while living in Schererville, Indiana; commuting to nearby Chicago to work, he met Kim (Barber) Miner in the neighboring city of Gary, Indiana. The two married on September 3rd 1983 the following year. From this Union, Wilford’s youngest son Marcel Nicolas Miner was born on April 4th 1985. Wilford was emphatic that his young son be named Nicholas in honor of his brother, Major Nicholas Miner, his best friend, his best man and his sports commentary analysis partner; as Wilford was an avid sports enthusiast.
After spending many years in Michigan, Wilford and Kim relocated to Tampa Florida in 2002 where they began planning for his retirement. Wilford thrived in Florida’s warm weather and slower pace. He very much enjoyed this chapter of his life. In 2013, Wilford and Kim moved to Shreveport, Louisiana to be near their grandchildren. On December 10th 2024, while at home, Wilford quietly made his transition to the everlasting.
Wilford is survived by his wife Kim and his three children.
Wilford Ulysses Miner II who is named after his father, his name sake, his first born son, whom his father (proudly and affectionately called “Tug”) was born of a previous union.
Marcel Nicolas Miner his youngest son whom his father took great pride in meticulously choosing his young son’s name to give it meaning and legacy.
Marcella Johnson, In 2021, Wilford discovered he was the father of an adult daughter, a revelation that took him by surprise. Ironically, her name was Marcella, the same as her grandmother’s, and strikingly similar to Marcel, the name he had meticulously chosen for his youngest son. This remarkable discovery instantly created a deep connection between them. Overjoyed to find her to be a loving daughter, Wilford fully embraced their relationship and quickly grew to love her in return.
Wilford cherished family deeply, holding a nostalgic sentiment for his present loved ones as well as enjoying and exploring the rich history of those who have past on.
Wilford will be missed by his surviving brothers Major Miner and his wife Janice of Pontiac, Michigan and his youngest brother Dennis Miner and his wife Rebecca of Springfield Illinois; both brothers whom he had strong relationship and a deep affection.
Wilford maintained his Christian faith throughout his life; attending Morning Star Baptist Church in Mount Clemens, Michigan, and Liberty Temple Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan collectively for almost 2 decades. He attended Rivers of Life, a non-denominational church in Tampa, Florida, for over 10 years, faithfully serving on the usher board in each church he attended. This was a position in the church he enjoyed and worked in it with great dedication.
He was a lifelong member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
He leaves behind his wife, Kim Miner and his three children: Wilford Miner II Marcel Nicolas Miner and his wife Christina Marcella Johnson (Miner).
Wilford was a man of few words and though he loved deeply, his expression was rare. So when he spoke and expressed his affection, you could hold it like a precious jewel undeniably, pure and straight from his heart.
He leaves behind his seven grandchildren Marcel’s children: Jaden, Max and Mya. Marcella’s: children: Eshanta, Jamya, Natasia and Lyndon.
His nieces Jasmine and Carmen and nephew Marcus and many beloved family.
Fly away my sweet darling your time here is done. Fly over the street through the trees into the rising sun. Glide into the beauty of Heavens soft breeze, where love flows endlessly peacefully at ease. When you reach the heights of God‘s Holy place, rejoice in the arms of your families embrace. And if you can whisper softly to me, tell me you’ve arrived in everlasting, happy and Free.
Be well my Love,
Written by: Kim Miner
A visitation for Wilford will be held Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. A celebration of life will occur Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 2:00 PM, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. A graveside will occur Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108.
