Obituary of Jerald Thomas Chastain Mills Jr.

Jerald Thomas Chastain Mills Jr. was born on July 18, 2018 in Toledo, Ohio.   He was the beautiful, baby boy of Ricky Mills and Brittany Chastain.   Jerald lovingly became known by several other names:  Jerry, Jay, JT, Jerald, and “Smiley”.   He was blessed and fortunate to have four parents who loved him as much as life itself.  Along with Ricky and Brittany, Jerald was also a son to Chris Ponder and Shauna Daily. 

Jerry was loved by everyone that had the pleasure of meeting him.  A funny little man, he had an infectious smile of gold.   Jerry was always making those around him laugh.   He often picked on his older brothers, but his stunning charm and good looks helped him to get away with any mischief he found himself in.

Jay’s parents especially appreciated the joy he brought to their lives.  Whether he was repeating “HMMM” to mom Brittany, sharing nightly cuddle sessions with mom Shauna, making dad Chris’s day bright by just sharing his cute little face, or doing an adorable little dance with dad Ricky, Jerald had what it took to make other’s lives complete.

Jerald Thomas Chastain Mills Jr., age fourteen months, passed away at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Sunday, October 13, 2019.   Although, his earthly life was brief, his impact will leave its mark for a lifetime.  Jerald will be remembered as a HERO.   His passing due to a form of leukemia (AML Stage 5) was so rare he was only the 5th case in the world and the first case at the University of Michigan.   Jerald’s blood samples will be used to help find the gene/cell that causes this type to help prevent in the future or even save another’s life.

To cherish his memory, Jerry leaves all four of his parents; eight siblings: Gregory Chastain, Aiden Chastain, Cole Sole, Divante Ponder, Anthony Daily, Dakota Daily, Carissa Pippens and Xavier Pippens; his paternal grandparents:  Ricky Mills Sr. and Lattisa Etter; and maternal grandmother:  Melanie Chastain; and many aunts and uncles who loved him dearly.  His passing was preceded by a sister:  Kera Mills and his grandfather: Jerald Thomas Chastain. 

Friends may gather from 12:00pm until 6:00pm on Friday, October 18, 2019 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185.   A Celebration of His Life will follow at 6:00pm also at Merkle’s. 

Memorials are suggested to the family.   Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.