Jamia Lynn Miles

On September 12, 1960, the Lord saw it fitting to bless the earth with a vocally astounding snippet of His heavenly musical inclination, in the voice of Jamia Lynette Garmon, born to the marital union of Johnny and Juanita Garmon.  Jamia was baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ at 6 years old, and shortly thereafter, received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  She’s been making melodies and psalms in her heart and voice ever since.

She began her musical journey at the tender age of 3 years old, performing alongside her older sister, Leonda, and her aunt, Valerie, who formed the musical trio, The Treble Clefs, under the direction of their mother and aunt, Juanita Garmon.  They sang together in incomparable, harmonious melodies of praise and worship.  They were featured as guests at many national church conventions, regional and city-wide events, and local venues; and were recognized as a contending vocal force, winning many awards, and first-prize placements for best vocal performances by a group.

Jamia’s abilities were further developed in the music ministry of the church choir, at Christ Refuge Temple, under the pastorage of her maternal grandfather, Bishop Arthur E. Jennings; and at Zion Temple Apostolic Church, under the pastorage of her paternal grandfather, Bishop O.C. Garmon.  She surged the soprano section with such power and perfect pitch.

She continued her musical development as a student at Roosevelt High School, in Gary, IN, under the teachings and instruction of Mrs. Eva C. Brooks, who further helped to expound on her gift of singing and her talent for songwriting.  She performed as a student of the Madrigals, Girls Chorus, Mixed Chorus, Girls Barbershop Quartette, and graduated in the class of 1978, as one of the most accomplished students at the school.

As adulthood began for Jamia, she stretched herself into playwriting and produced several ministerially entertaining and spiritually enlightening stage plays, performed at several churches and on several stages throughout the Midwest.

She then ventured into writing for, performing with, and producing and directing countless gospel artists and groups, like Indiana State Choir of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World  •  Min. James Abney of Bethel Pentecostal Church of Grand Rapids, MI  •  Michael Jordan and the Michael Jordan Ensemble  •  Apostolic Faith Church, Chicago, IL  •  Kim Stratton  •  Smokie Norful  •  Donald Lawrence  •  Thompson Community Singers, just to name a few.

On August 8, 1992, Jamia was joined in matrimony to her husband, Kenneth G. Miles, Sr.  He was her true friend, solid confidant, and biggest supporter through love, lessons, blessings, and trials.  They shared 34 years of life together until her departure from this earth.

On May 29, 1981, Jamia was blessed to birth a strong, musically inclined, handsome son, born to her marital union with Claude Kelly, III, in the musical wonder of Jonathan Maurice Kelly.  Jamia and Ken’s marital union was blessed with the increase of Kenneth G. Miles, Jr. on December 30, 1993.  And in 1996, they received another family increase when they welcomed their beautiful, adopted daughter, Tina Nethery, to the family.

Jamia’s high school classmate and friend, former Mayor of the city of Gary, IN, Karen Freeman has publicly, highly regarded her vocal mastery, and anointed instrument.

It had always been Jamia’s life dream to sing for one of her most admired fellow gospel music ministers, Andre Crouch.  And one faithful Saturday in 1993, Andre visited Jamia during a rehearsal session at Apostolic Faith Church and, in turn, he admired her for nearly 2 hours.

She was once a featured guest of the Apostolic Church of God Christmas Concert, during which time Donnie McClurkin took immediate notice of her voice and quickly asked to be introduced to this unbelievable, unveiled, vocal miracle.

She leaves with us the footprint of her musical genius, creativity, spiritual revelation, testimony, and untouchable vocal stylings, in her album, Great and Mighty is Our God, released on January 1, 2006.  Her project featured the willful talents, gifts, and contributions of several family members, friends, professional musicians, orchestral musicians, producers, and engineers, who all collaborated well to bring her ministry project to fruition.

On Friday, December 13, 2024, she fell asleep in the Lord, and waiting to welcome her into glory were her maternal grandparents, Bishop Arthur E. and Mother Anna Mae Jennings;  paternal grandparents, Bishop O.C. and Mother Hattie Lena Garmon;  father and stepmother, Pastor Johnny and Ophelia Garmon;  stepfather, James Michael Evans;  brother, Terry L. Garmon;  nephew, Terrance Christian Garmon.

She leaves to celebrate her life and  cherish her memory, her husband, Kenneth G. Miles, Sr.;  her sons, Jonathan Kelly, Kenneth G. Miles, Jr.;  adopted daughter, Tina Nethery,  Granddaughters, Kianna Marie Kelly, Serenia Marie Kelly, Jada Marie Kelly, Destiny Marie Kelly;  Great-granddaughter, Jayanna;  mother, Juanita J. Evans; sisters Leonda Garmon, Sherri (Micah, Sr.) Lewis;  Ayesha Garmon Wallace;  brother Darren A. Garmon.  Uncle, Kenneth Garmon (father’s last living sibling); Aunt, Dr. Valerie Crumpton; a crowd of Miles, Garmon, and Lewis nieces and nephews; cousins, dear friends, listeners, and admirers.

Jamia’s ministry was truly a blessing and compliment to the anointed psalms of praise and worship written in time.  She will be terribly missed – but never forgotten, always celebrated, forever applauded.  Heaven has received back one of its own who now sings with the Seraphim, HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD!  See you soon, Lynnie-Booskie!

A Visitation will be held at 10:00 - 10:30 AM Friday December 27th, 2024, immediately followed by A Celebration of Her Life Service at 10:30 AM at Waukegan Community Church, 1016 Grand Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085 with Pastor Winford Obleton officiating.

A Video of The Celebration of Her Life is attached below through the link.

The Celebration of Her Life Service Video

Interment will be private for the family.

Waukegan Community Church   1016 Grand Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085 (847) 360-1008

Funeral Arrangements & Services Provided By:

Linden Funerals & Cremation
120 Peterson Road, Libertyville, IL 60048
Tel. 224-331-6330 or www.LindenFunerals.com

Find the Official Jamia Lynn Miles Obituary & Memorials Page Only at www.LindenFunerals.com