Kevin A. Miller

Allow me to tell you about a great man—my beloved husband, lover, protector, friend, soul mate. On Wednesday, June 6, 1962, on the beautiful tropical island of Nassau, Bahamas, KEVIN ANTHONY MILLER was born the eldest child to Betcina Miller and Eric Cooper. Survivor of a premature twin birth, his mother could hold him in the palm of one hand. Amidst a loving family, Kevin grew to be strong and healthy. He and his family lived with his aunt and her family. Twenty one people—Kevin always said they are more like my brothers and sisters instead of cousins. Even as a boy, Kevin was an ambitious leader. All the kids of the house respected him as a role model. He was Leader of the Student Council. As a teenager, he was president of the Young Liberals (a mentoring group for potential politicians of the Progressive Liberal Party). He was an honor roll student and graduated top of his class from R. M. Bailey Senior High School. His family being of humble means, Kevin was grateful when he received a government scholarship to attend College of the Bahamas Hospitality Institute to study Hospitality Management and to finalize his studies at Florida International University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree; the first in his family to receive a college education. Education was always important to Kevin. Later in life, he earned a degree in Computer Science. While matriculating at FIU, Kevin met me. He wanted to marry me after two weeks, but I put on the brakes. However, not able to resist his charm, we were married eleven months later on August 18, 1984. Three years later, our beautiful Ashley brought more joy into our lives; and eighteen months after that, we were blessed with another beautiful daughter, Kortney. Kevin’s nick name for both our daughters was “Princess.” We were his first priority, but extended family was also important to him. He embraced my family and the love was mutual. He had a special bond with my father. In general, Kevin was a “people person.” Wherever he went, he stood out. He tried to exhibit this serious side. He most definitely would tell you just what he thought, but anyone that knew him realized he was a tender-hearted, kind person. Kev was an “Old Soul.” Many of his friends were senior citizens, and he would consistently make those phone calls to check on them. It gave him pleasure to help people. Kevin pursued his career in the Hotel and Restaurant industry. The girls and I teased him that he has worked in every restaurant chain in the country. However, he spent five years working in the Bahamas—Beverage Director of the Crystal Palace Hotel and the Atlantis Hotel. For the last nine years, he has rendered his talents to managing Boston Market restaurants. Kevin approached his work (and other tasks) with passion and enthusiasm. In addition to being an excellent cook, he was technology savvy, and a great handy man. If he didn’t know how to do it, he would do the research and get it done. Anyone that knew him knows he loved to go fishing. The Florida Keys was his favorite spot. He liked to play golf when he could. He also enjoyed a good card game. And he would bend the ear of anyone who would listen about his garden and fruit trees. But his favorite thing to do was just be with me. He considered grocery shopping to be a date. I can hear him now—“As long as I’m with you, Babe. I’ll take it any way I can get it.” He would tease my sisters if we talked an extended time on the phone. “You’re taking my time.” I always felt Kev’s love. He said I was the “Love of His Life” and he was my Kev. Even through the tough times, we said to each other, “Well, we know we love each other; and that’s not going to change.” In 2001, Kevin learned he had heart disease and he gallantly fought that fight through many years of surgeries and treatments. He always bounced back quickly. But on the Wednesday morning of February 4, 2015, God called my Kev home to be with Jesus. After the death of my father, Kevin began to take his spiritual commitment more seriously. His faith and spiritual growth was evident to all who knew him. He was a great man because he loved God, his family, and friends. He was a servant to all. If Kevin were here, he would tell us, “It doesn’t matter how you start. What matters is how you finish.” My Kev finished well! Memories will be cherished by: his beloved wife, Mareshah; daughters: Ashley Theodate, Kor tney Miller , Chanel Rolle; sons: Kevin Sands, Myles Miller; son-in-law: Eddie Theodate; daughter-in-law: Lisa Sands; grandsons: Ephan Sands, Nathan Sands; his mother: Betcina Miller -Dean; step-father: Rev. Hayden Dean; mother-in-law: Esther Brown; mother/aunt: Doris Maycock; father: Er ic Cooper ; step-mother: Alfreda Cooper ; brothers: Ambr ose Austin, Marvin Austin, Char les Austin; sisters: Darnell Dorsette, Er ica Glinton, Dellareese Richardson; sisters-in-law: Berneta Chappell, Valencia Brown, Angela Brown, Susan Austin, Diane Austin; brothers-in-law: Shelton Chappell, Selwyn Richardson; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, god-children and friends

Kevin A. Miller

June 6, 1962 - February 4, 2015