Melvin Miles Sr.

Melvin Miles was born on November 27, 1960, in Elmira, NY. The son of the late Reverend Elijah and Annie Mae Miles, Melvin was a man of great faith. He loved the Lord and held fast to His promises, always believing in God’s will for his life and his family.

During his youth, Melvin was a proud basketball standout at Elmira Free Academy, where his talent and drive made him a memorable presence on the court, garnering the nickname “Butter” for his smoothness and leading to his induction into the Hall of Fame. Sports remained a lifelong passion. In 1981, he was president of the NCAA at Corning Community College. He also loved the excitement that came with coaching the Tom Sawyer Youth League, where he led his team to championships and earned the designation of Coach of the Year.

Melvin lived a life rooted in determination, love for his family, and a spirit that could lift a room. He was the life of every party and every birthday celebration. He was a dedicated and devoted father of 14 beautiful children.

A lover of gospel music, Melvin found joy in singing and sharing that joy with others. Whether in conversation, in laughter, or in song, he brought warmth and energy to the people around him, at home and at work. Melvin was employed by the Elmira Psychiatric Center, Catholic Charities, and the EOP, where he enjoyed helping people and worked hard to provide for his family.

Melvin went home to be with the Lord on February 16, 2026. He was predeceased by his parents, the late Reverend and Mrs. Elijah Miles and his sister, Sheila Miles.

Melvin leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Jammie Lee Miles, and his 14 beloved children, Charmaine, Melvin Jr., Isaac, Marcel, Shanice, Maurice, Jeremy (Ebone), Tianna, Melik, Makayla, Jamel, Mariah, Raquel, and Jaylee; 19 beautiful grandchildren; brother, Greg Cole; sisters April (Morgan) Randolph and Dayna Schreckengost; mother and father-in-law, Steven and Tianna Hurlburt; sisters-in-law, Jeanann Fletcher, NatéYvonne (James) Rogers, Dianna (Ladislau) Ribeiro, Crystal (Ricky) Richardson, Jennifer (Christopher) Fung, Jessica (Shadab) Kahn, and Stevie Hurlburt; (sisters) Bertha and Betty Jenkins; nephews Donta and DaMan Harper; and (son) De’Mario Green, (daughter) Amanda (Ryan) Becote, along with a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

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