Rachel Cranford Milner was born on December 23rd, 1918 to Rev. Jack Cranford and Bessie Cranford of Covington County, Mississippi. Visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 19 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM followed by a funeral service in the chapel.
Rachel attended Jones County Junior College and received her bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Mississippi College. She was married to Dr. Herman Milner in 1941. Together, they served churches in full-time Christian ministry for 36 years with their longest tenure of service at Van Winkle Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi from 1945 to 1978.
Rachel’s calling to the gospel ministry expanded over a period of seventy years. She taught Sunday School, served in the Women’s Missionary Union, and authored “God’s Revelation in Survey,” (an expanded outline of the Holy Bible). She also taught English and Bible in both the public and private school systems. After the death of her husband, Herman, Rachel volunteered with the Mission Service Corps in Tulsa, Oklahoma through the Southern Baptist Convention. After the relocation of Van Winkle Baptist Church, she became an active member of Park Hill Baptist church where she taught Sunday School.
Rachel died peacefully in her sleep at Willow Creek Retirement Center on November 15th,2019. The family is grateful to the staff at Willow Creek for their professionalism and care during her years there.
Rachel is survived by her three children: Clara Lee Gore (Billy), Herman Milner, Jr. (Anita), Rachel Elizabeth Greene (John); her seven grandsons: Steve Gore, David Gore, John Gore, James Milner, David Milner, Philip Greene and Michael Greene; her nieces and nephew: Carolyn Cranford Bowman, Beth Mitcheltree Burns, Linda Weems Mohan; Bill (Sonny) Weems; her brother-in-law: Jimmy Milner. She was the proud great-grandmother of 16 beautiful great-grand-children.
Though she will be missed by her friends and family, we rejoice that she is in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It was Rachel’s passion to share the love of Christ, who died for our sins on the cross and for all to receive Him as their Lord and Savior.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkhill Baptist Church at 48626 S. McRaven Rd, Jackson, MS 39204.
Please visit lakewoodfuneralhomes.com for online guestbook.
