Joseph Freeman Milner, Jr.
Pastor Joseph Freeman Milner, Jr. was born on January 3, 1935, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Joseph Freeman Sr. and Ethel Milner. On February 7, 2023, he fell asleep in Jesus.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Devosta Milner, his aunt, Jenni Milner and step son-in-law, Rodney Maddox.
He attended Howard High School in Chattanooga, and graduated in the class of 1953.
In 1974 he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee and in 1979 a Master of Education degree from the University of Tennessee. In 2000, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Adventist University. Joseph was a faithful and devoted district lay assistant pastor at the East Cleveland Seventh-day Adventist for 45 years until the day of his death. His employment included the City of Chattanooga, McKee Bakery, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Tennessee.
In the early 60s after his baptism into the 8th Street Seventh-day Adventist Church in Chattanooga, Elder Milner held various offices in the church. He was Sabbath School Superintendent, Vacation Bible School Coordinator, Home Missionary Secretary, and New Members Home Visitation Leader. In 1964 he was ordained as an Elder.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Regina Milner of Ooltewah; four stepdaughters, Judy (Dallas) Pottinger of Davenport, Ia., Patricia (Freeman) Sales, Linda (Rudolph) Barner, both of Chattanooga, and Laura Cobb-DeSilva of New York; two stepsons, Randall Cobb of Chattanooga and Cheka Abubakari of California; one nephew, Devosta "Bo" Leverett, and one niece, Anita Faye Milner, both of Chattanooga; one great-niece, Angel Milner; two great-great nieces, Jaylan Milner and Laquandra Leverett; one great-great-nephew, Devosta Leverett, Jr.
Public viewing will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, at East Cleveland SDA Church, 801 Howard Circle, SE, Cleveland, followed by an 11 a.m. celebration of life service. Interment will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens East.
Arrangements are by John P Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.