Albert J. Milon

Dec. 9, 1920 - March 16, 2008
SOUTH BEND - The celebration began on December 9, 1920, when Albert J. Milon, the eldest of two sons, was born to Matthew and Annabell Milon in Egremont, Mississippi, thus beginning a journey of life and love that continued until March 16, 2008. Matthew Milon, not satisfied with plantation wages, moved his family to Glen Allan, Mississippi, and later to South Bend, Indiana, in 1947. It was in South Bend where "AJ," as he was affectionately called, met and married his lifelong mate, Queen Esther in 1950. The two would form a mighty bond and partnership that produced an awesome legacy including three daughters and four sons. With exceptional strength and character, AJ Milon made a huge impact on the community, the church, his family and all who knew him. Early on he was an employee for the Federal Workers Progress Administration that was responsible for building highways, roads, streets and the improvement of bridges and public buildings. Later he was among the first African Americans hired by the Bendix Corporation. He approached his work with vigor, integrity and excellence as he approached everything in life. He retired from the Bendix Corporation after 42 years of employment. Through the preached Word of God and influence of family, he came to know the Lord at an early age, joining Pilgrim Baptist Church. After seeking the Lord for more, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and joined the Liberty Street Church of God in Christ where he received salvation under the leadership of Bishop Davis. He grew and matured rapidly under Eld. Peckert and began to experience signs, wonders and miracles operating through his life. Through prayer and affirmation, it was evident that the call to the ministry was on his life. Albert loved the Lord with all his heart, mind and soul, and taught his family to love the Lord as well. In the early days it was customary for this young minister and his wife to hold prayer service for the saints in the living room of their home. It was during one of these prayer services in 1958 that AJ Milon, received his call as Pastor, thus founding Faith Temple Church of God in Christ. Elder AJ Milon shared his call with his wife, Queen Esther Milon. He also shared his vision to purchase a church building. Sister Milon was initially apprehensive, but pondered the vision of her husband in her heart where the saints could worship comfortably, rather than have a store-front church. As she went to God in prayer on this matter, the Lord revealed to her in a dream that they would indeed have a church building. He also revealed to her the owner of the building, a man dressed in a brown suit, who would sell them the property. Elder AJ Milon, being led by the Holy Spirit, drove down Linden Avenue on his way home from work one day and noticed the property at 2313 Linden Avenue was for sale. In an act of faith, the Milons purchased the property that later became the site of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ. This single act of faith was a defining moment for the Milon family. It formed and shaped a family that would always believe and trust in God, and serves as an example that with God and faith all things are possible. On March 16, 2008, this man of God went home to be with the Lord, ending a lifetime legacy that will be fondly remembered. AJ Milon was a man who committed to God, church and family all the days of his life. He was a trailblazer, a man of integrity, and a man of character. On this day we celebrate the man, the legend and life of Albert J. Milon. He began his pastorage under Bishop C.E. Bennett. He served in District #8 under Supt. Hatchett. After the death of Bishop Bennett, he served under Bishop W.O. Blakely and Bishop M.L. Hall. He became Supt. of the Faith Temple District in the 1st Jurisdiction. He and the Faith Temple Church united with the 3rd Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and served under Bishop E. Bobby Warren. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Queen Esther Milon. He is celebrated by his children, Barbara Milon of Minneapolis, MN, Apostles Melvin and Sharon Milon of Conyers, GA, Theresa and William Bess of Cincinnati, OH, Kenny Milon, Orland Park, IL, Beverly Milon, South Bend, IN, Danny Milon, Los Angeles, CA, and Bryant and Kathy Milon, Indianapolis, IN; as well as 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; his brother, Buddy and Alice Milon; a host of brothers and sisters-in-law; cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. Visitation will occur Friday, March 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Faith Temple Church of God in Christ. Funeral services for Pastor AJ Milon will be Saturday, March 22, at 11 a.m. at Saints Memorial C.O.G.I.C., 321 So. Liberty Street, where arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that voluntary donations be made to Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, 2313 Linden Avenue. Messages of condolence may be e-mailed to alfordsmortuary@comcast.net: attention Milon family.