Zay’s Story

The Legacy of Isaiah Rashaun Miller began on April 16th, 2007, in Cleveland, Ohio. When he was born to Lakisha Lee Ann Ivory and Augustus Miller III, during the time their love was sealed in marriage. From the very beginning, Isaiah came into this world with a purpose. A bright light, a beautiful soul, and a heart that will go on to touch so many. From the moment he entered this world, we knew he was HIM. Affectionately given the name “chewy”, it wasn’t just a nickname, it was a manifestation of the love his mother had been carrying for him long before she ever knew his name.

Chewy’s educational journey was as dynamic and full of movement as his spirit. Throughout his life, he attended multiple schools across different districts and states. Each one shaping a piece of the young man he was becoming. From Cleveland, Columbus, to Huffman Texas, his path was never confined to one place, but it was at Porter Heights High School where Isaiah found what many would consider his school home. A place where his talents began to shine, his friendships deepened, his identity as a young man began to fully emerge as “Chef Zay”.

Chef Zay was a senior at Porter Heights High School and graduated May 22nd, 2025. He will be remembered as #31 on the football team as the linebacker, tight end, and running back. His passion was in the kitchen, where he began to bless the students at Porter Heights High School with love through his food.

Chef Zay believed in people. One of his most beloved sayings was, “I am proud of you, keep chasing your dreams.” These weren’t just words to him; they were a way of life. He saw potential in everyone and encouraged it fiercely, always choosing to uplift those around him.

Chef Zay was musically aligned. It was the language of his soul; it was his outlet and his peace. It was the way of processing his emotions the world couldn’t always see. Whether he was cooking or thinking, music was always there holding space for him, grounding him, and giving his feelings somewhere to go.

On Monday, June 9, 2025, Isaiah’s spirit returned to the universe. Though the way he left this world carried pain beyond words, his spirit was released into light and peace. While his physical presence left this earth, the energy he shared, the love, the laughter, and the rhythm remain echoing forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

Isaiah Miller leaves behind a legacy of love that lives on through his parents Lakisha Ivory & Augustus Miller III and “bonus mom” ShaRonda Dotson.

His grandparents Jerry Lee (April) Ivory, Mary (Dwayne) Fortson, Gina Morris, Augustus Miller Jr. Great-Grandmothers, Maxine Miller, Mary Eley Davis. Great-Grandfather Oscar Lee Arnold Sr.

Siblings, Aaron Ivory, Nevaeh Miller, Augustus Miller IV, Keayon Miller, Elijah Miller and bonus sister(s) Riyka Lucas, Samayyah Hamid.

Aunts and Uncles, Deitrhia (Eric) Finch, Tonisha Miller, Marvin Miller, Antoin (Clarissa) Eley, Antonio (Raykendra) Fortson, Tinisha Fortson, Dwayne Fortson Jr, Ebony (Keenan) Kinsey, Carlissa Ivory. Two Nephews Aaron Ivory Jr, Aukarus Anuki

Isaiah was also remembered by a host of great aunts, great uncles, cousins, and extended family who were touched by his light.

The family of Isaiah Rashaun Miller wishes to express their appreciation for the prayers, comforting messages, calls, cards, flowers, and other expressions of care and concern received during their time of bereavement. May God bless each of you. The family would like to express their gratitude and special thanks to Julio Jones, Deitrhia Finch, Khadijah Cross Wiggins, Tonya Goodon, Isha Kadi, Kenyatta Hampton, Tamika Smith and Demetrius Harvey