Cortez Miller

Cortez Lamont Miller (September 5, 1996 – March 25, 2018) was cherished by his family and community in Benton Harbor. A loving son born to Earline Young and Brian Miller, Cortez grew up surrounded by family and faith and was known for being outgoing and sincere. He attended Dream Academy and carried a direct, outspoken manner that many friends and relatives remember with a smile.

In the months before his passing, Cortez embraced a new and life-changing role — he became a father. That new chapter brought joy and hope to those who loved him, who recall his pride and excitement at welcoming his baby daughter into the world. Family members also remember his gentle moments with younger relatives and his presence at local gatherings and church events.

Cortez’s life was celebrated at a homegoing service held at Second Baptist Church in Benton Harbor, where friends and family gathered to honor his memory. He was laid to rest at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. In the days after his passing, many offered condolences and memories that spoke to his warmth, his closeness to family, and the small, everyday kindnesses that defined him to those who knew him best.

Though his time was brief, Cortez left behind the unmistakable mark of someone who loved his family and took great pride in becoming a father. His memory lives on in the stories shared by loved ones, in the life of his daughter, and in the quiet ways he touched his community. Those who wish to honor his memory were directed to support the family through memorial contributions and messages of sympathy.