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Michael Jeffrey Miller, 22, of Columbia, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2011, surrounded by his family, after a lifelong battle with Muscular Dystrophy. Michael was born October 6, 1988, in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he lived with his mother, Lori Ann Miller; grandmother, Barbra Testerman, and brother, Chris Miller, until graduating from Jefferson City High School in 2007. A lifelong dedication to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) led Michael to an active role in the organization at a young age. Attending the yearly MDA summer camps where he met many longtime friends, along with placing a strong importance on fundraising as a MDA Ambassador, was how Michael chose to make a difference. Participating in many telethons, local events, and seminars, Michael truly became a dedicated ambassador, and later in life, a loyal donor to the fight to end MD. With a passion for theater, Michael set his sights on attending Mizzou, after graduating from Jefferson City High School as a National Merit Scholar. During his three years at Mizzou, Michael earned many accolades as one of the top playwrights and theatre tech students in the department. He recently won a Certificate of Recognition for his sound design for HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE from The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Michael also had one of the top-ranked one-act plays, TROUBLE THE MASH, in the Region V Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. "He had the voice of a young Tennesee Williams-with a beautiful Southern Gothic Style." He loved magic in the theatre, and mystery, and the wonder of the unknown. Beyond his love of theater, Michael was an avid movie aficionado with a love for the independent films, even becoming a volunteer for the annual True False Film Festival in Columbia for three years. A passion for music of all genres and a love of going to local concerts in Columbia filled much of his time. Quite often, Michael could be found at one of his favorite Columbia locals with friends and family enjoying a pint and singing along to a Floggy Molly's song or watching a St. Louis Blues game. Michael is survived by his mother, Lori Ann Miller and her husband Mike Brown of Freeburg; his brother, Chris Miller of Columbia; grandparents, Barbara Testerman of Jefferson City and Ronnie Testerman (Debbie) of Jefferson City; great-grandmother, Imogene Elbert of Seneca; uncle, Russell Testerman (Lindsey Testerman) and his nephew, Alex Miller of Columbia. The family would like to invite everyone to a celebration of his life to be held Saturday, January 29, 2011, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Parker Funeral Service in downtown Columbia. Memorials may be made in memory of Michael to the Mizzou Theater Department and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Online condolences may be left at parkerfuneralservice.com.
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