Our History
Miller Bros. was founded in 1910 by the late Alfred George Miller, at that time most of Miller Bros. work was in building and decorating, with the occasional funeral being requested by local families.
In 1974, Roy Miller and Phil Miller took over with the help of Roy’s son, Terry. The Miller family business continued to build a trusted reputation within the Christchurch community over the years which continues to this day.
In 2011, Terry took the decision to retire, and Stuart Major, who had been working for Miller Bros. since 2003, was offered the opportunity to purchase the business with his wife Helen; their daughter Jessica joined the team in 2018; they continue to maintain the high standards and reputation of a well-established family firm with their unequivocally supportive team behind them.
Stuart Major
Company Director & Funeral Director
Stuart joined Miller Bros. in 2003 after deciding he wanted a complete change of career; Stuart began his Miller Bros. journey as a Workshop Operative and progressed until taking over the business in 2011. He was honoured to be appointed as the President of the Bournemouth and District National Association of Funeral Directors from 2020-2023.
Stuart previously served in the Royal Navy and saw action in the Gulf War.
He is the heart and soul of the business, and in the local community, and continues to provide an exceptional, professional and personal level of service with his warm-hearted nature, which gives Miller Bros. it’s notable reputation.
He enjoys socialising and spending his free time gardening.
Helen Major
Company Director
Helen became a Company Director in 2011 alongside her husband Stuart, after making the decision to leave her 30 year career in hairdressing.
Helen is responsible for the accounting and works behind the scenes in the day to day organising and running of Miller Bros. Helen supports the team also in the Chapels of Rest.
Helen enjoys looking after her Grandson, so that her daughter Jessica can progress in the business.
Helen likes to get involved in local community activities in raising awareness for various charities. In Helen’s spare time she enjoys walking, gardening and doing anything creative.
Jessica Lyons
Company Director & Funeral Director
After wanting to join the family business for quite some time, Jessica decided to leave her job in the travel claims industry in 2018 to work alongside her parents and train to become a Funeral Director. Continuing to follow in her father’s footsteps Jessica has taken a hands-on approach to assist families in making funeral arrangements whilst developing her knowledge and providing a caring and professional service. She also manages the Miller Bros. social media channels and administers Donations.
Jessica enjoys photography, socialising with friends and is a keen ‘foodie’. She most of all enjoys spending time making happy memories with her son and husband.
Terry Youles
General Manager & Funeral Director
Terry was employed by the City of London Crematorium and Cemeteries for a number of years, and in 2008 he and his family sought to relocate to Dorset. At that time, a vacancy arose at Miller Bros., Terry took the position of Workshop Operative and like Stuart, progressed through the company from the Workshop to his current position of General Manager and Funeral Director. Terry is professional and knowledgeable when arranging and conducting funerals, he has a good eye for detail when creating and designing Service Sheets, he also assists with the in-house IT.
Terry supports West Ham Football Club, he enjoys supporting his children’s sports clubs, visiting the cinema, cooking inventive dishes, dining out and socialising with his friends and family.
Sarah Lawrence
Administrator
Sarah joined Miller Bros. in 2014, following a 12-year career with the local newspaper the Daily Echo. She was frequently called upon to assist in the creation and writing of obituaries, editorial pieces for publication and advertising features, it was there that she became interested at the prospect of working within a funeral home. Here at Miller Bros. Sarah provides families with memorial masonry advice and assistance and general administration duties. Sarah enjoys meeting people from all walks of life and assists with Chapel duties as well as being an all-round support to the rest of the Miller Bros. team.
In her spare time Sarah enjoys pottering around in her garden, and watching films with a good bar of chocolate! As a Dementia Friend, she also assists in the community when needed.
Funeral Operatives
Miller Bros. are also reliably supported by dedicated full-time Operatives Robert Sharp and Andrew Wadman, and part-time Bearer Colin Mcneil, With decades of combined experience they help oversee the Workshop and Garage duties as well as driving the Hearse and Limousines, coffin bearing and general maintenance. You will see the team on every funeral we undertake. They are valuable members of the Miller Bros. team and always go above and beyond in their line of duty.