Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Steen Miles Obituary
She was 70.
Miles worked at the NBC affiliate WXIA-TV from 1984 to 1999. She was also a MARTA spokesman and a Georgia state senator in the 2000s.
"If you've worked in media or politics in Atlanta," wrote 11Alive reporter Valerie Hoff DeCarlo on her Facebook page, "you probably knew Steen Miles. She was so kind to me when I was a beginner in Atlanta TV news, and I admired her being a risk taker and leaving TV to run for public office."
DeCarlo said Miles battled cancer "with humor, optimism and determination… Steen's death is a shock and a loss."
In an interview, former Channel 2 Action News anchor Monica Pearson called Miles "an unbelievable speaker. She could have been a preacher, she was that good. She had a strong voice and demeanor. The same qualities you saw as a legislator came through as a reporter."
Keith Whitney, who worked with her at 11Alive and is now at CBS46, called her a "bulldog" in the best sense of the word. "She was as tough as anyone you'd ever meet in the business. She was very outspoken. When other people might shy away from an uncomfortable issue, she'd speak up. She never held her tongue. Even if you didn't like her, you respected her. She was one of those people who put everything into whatever assignment she was given. She was unforgettable."
Evelyn Mims, who was the long-time community affairs specialist and producer at 11Alive, said Miles was the "Maxine Waters of the newsroom. She was a powerhouse. She was a strong woman period. Family and spiritually oriented. Her parents were ministers."
Her daughter Kellie Walker said she was former president of Jack and Jill of America, a non-profit dedicated to building African-American leaders and she was active as a minister at Green Forest Baptist Church in Decatur.
"She touched so many lives and was present with so many people in a meaningful way," Walker said. "She wanted to impact people and touch people and help people."
The biggest lesson Miles taught her daughters, Walker said, was "to love God, love my family, love my community and love myself."
According to a biography on TheHistoryMakers.com, Miles grew up in South Bend, Ind. and worked in radio in Cincinnati and Chicago before coming to Atlanta in 1980 where she worked at United Press International as an editor before moving to 11Alive in 1984.
Kellie recalled while growing up, her mom hosted a "Coffee Talk" TV show in South Bend and a radio show as "Steen King, the Soul Queen." (Her married name at the time was King.)
Miles resided in Decatur and is survived by two daughters, Kellie and Heather and two grandchildren, William and Kellea.
Memories and Condolences
for Steen Miles
80 Entries
Celeste Tolbert
April 26, 2017
To the family,
I was sad and shocked last night when I was told the news. Ms. Miles was a great friend to my mother, Min. Carolyn Parker. She was there for me when my mom passed. She could deliver a message that would be with you forever. I know my mom greeted her as she entered her rest. The world will miss her but will never forget the honorable Ms. Steen Miles.
April 20, 2017
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Marsha "Radiolady" Washington George
April 14, 2017
Last time I saw her was at the honoring of Jocelyn Dorsey at the Ga State Capitol and I made sure I went over and spoke to her. Always admired her work and dedication. God Bless... Prayers for the family.
Steen w/ her daughters
April 12, 2017
Steen w/ Cousin Melvin
April 12, 2017
Steen w/ siblings
April 12, 2017
April 12, 2017
God has a place in his memory for our love ones that are no longer with us. Through his son.
John 5: 25-2&
Martha Williams
April 11, 2017
To: Ms. Steen Miles Family, we offer our sincere condolences. We will always remember Ms. Mile as she hosted and moderated the Battle of the Brain Quizz Bowl in Dekalb County in the year 1992.. My daughter Crystal, participanted and I was A proud parent cherrying her team on. These are "Great Memories" we have of Ms. Miles that will always be in our hearts.
May God Blessing Be Upon You,
Martha Williams and Family
Carol Smith
April 9, 2017
Kellie, I know how hard it is to lose your mom. Your family here in the DMV are here for you. Love you cousin.
EDWARD HUSBAND
April 9, 2017
May the work that you have done be pleasing to our Heavenly Father. I will forever hold you dear to my heart. Rest in Peace.
Steen w/ Cousin Hortense
Hortense Jones
April 9, 2017
April 9, 2017
Steen with Cousin Akeem
April 9, 2017
Gloria Reese
April 9, 2017
What a phenomenal woman. The Angels in Heaven are rejoicing at the addition of another great soul.
Rusty Hazelton
April 8, 2017
It was a pleasure to work with you on your campaign. Your energy to serve a community that needed your spiritual inspiration. Thank you. You will be sorely missed, my prayers are with the family. May you rest in Peace Steen.
James D. & Lula A. Chambler
April 8, 2017
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
April 7, 2017
Please know that others who got to know Steen grieve with you. The hope spoken from our Creator helps us in this grief. At Revelaion chapter 21 verse 3 and 4,
He speaks of our earth when no more dying.... will exist. We can see our loved ones again and never have to say goodbye. What a wonderful time to look forward to. Please take comfort in that promise.
Valerie Dues
April 6, 2017
To the family of Steen Miles. You will be sorely missed, my prayers are with the family. May you rest in Peace Steen.
Denmark Family
April 6, 2017
Heartfelt sympathy to Kelly, Heather, and to Steen Miles' family and friends
Ms Miles was a very talented lady. She served greatly as a Mom, friend, reporter, Marta spokesman, State Senator, preacher, etc. She was a wonderful lady with a wonderful smile.
Chaplain Judith Smith
April 5, 2017
Ms. Miles was a tremendous role model, for Black Women. She never lost the ability to relate to people and she was never too busy to extend kindness, to a stranger.
Phillips
April 4, 2017
May God grant you the peace needed during this time
My prayers are with the family and friends of Steen Miles
April 4, 2017
Ms.MIles, you fought a good fight now it's time for you to RIP.
April 4, 2017
So very sorry for your loss. With heartfelt sympathy.
Jenea Kennedy
April 4, 2017
Thank you so much Steen for being such an inspiration. Every time I had the opportunity to be in your presence, I learned so much about courage, sophisfication and grace. Thank you for blessing the world with your legacy. I love you!!! See you on the other side.
Carolyn Bass
April 4, 2017
To the Family of Ms. Miles, I am truly sorry for your loss.
I wanted to share a comforting message with you. There will be a time when no one will say I am sick because death and sorrow will be no more for all these things will have pass away. This is Gods promice to us.
April 4, 2017
I am so astonished to learn of her passing. I appreciated her work for many years. My condolences to her family and offer the encouragement of Psalm 62:11,12.
Mary Ford
April 3, 2017
Mary Ford
April 3, 2017
To The Family,
With deep sympathy, praying for the family strength in this time of their lost. Heaven has gained another Angel. Loving and kind was the spirit of Ms. Miles each time I saw her. She will be greatly missed.
ANGELO HUBBARD
April 3, 2017
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE MILES FAMILY.
Emma Blount
April 3, 2017
To the Family:
You my deepest Sympathy and also my prayers to God for you.
Cece Carr
April 3, 2017
My condolences, prayers and love to the family. Steen is missed. God bless. Cece.
April 3, 2017
My sincere condolences to each of you for your loss.
Calvin Sims
April 2, 2017
Steen it was a blessing to have known you, you contributed so much in your life.Thank you for all the help you gave me while you served in the State Senate,and in the DeKalb Community overall.
We don't always understand God's timing,but we trust Him. And I have faith that you are rejoicing in Heaven with Him.
Michelle Staples-Horne
April 2, 2017
Steen was my wonderful Orchid Sister and fellow church member. She was so thoughtful and kind. Even through her illness she continued to be filled with the spirit of the Lord. An angel here on earth and now above. My condolences to the family. We will all miss her, but can find comfort in knowing we will see her again.
White
April 2, 2017
Thank you Steen Miles for the grace you've shown to me and so many. You were truely a mentor. Every time I graced your presence you greeted me with a smile and cheered me on with a seal of approval as a minister of the Gospel. In a few months I will be honoring you with other Female ministers who have walked with you in our Fathers vineyard. I extend my love to your daughters and grand children; and my gratitude to you. Love in Christ, Bishop Sharron White and family.
Enjoying Barbados
Dr Betty Dillon
April 2, 2017
Steen, thanks for all the memories we shared. You will always be in my heart. ❤❤
To the family,
May God comfort you through this most difficult time and give you peace in knowing that we will see Steen again in glory. May God continue to draw you closer to Him , keep you, and continue to richly bless you in each and every aspect of your lives. In Jesus name I pray
Pastor Pierre Sheppard Chapel First Baptist Church
April 2, 2017
Kellie, Heather and the four beautiful grandchildren of Seen Miles. Please accept my deepest condolences in the passing of this Phenomenal Woman.
Knowing Mrs. Steen for over thirty years has been and will forever be one of the most significant encounters I've experienced. Watching Steen in action, whether on TV, in print and most definitely in person has been nothing short of Phenomenal.
I will always cherish her love and friendship.
That's how I will remember my time with her.
May the Lord of her salvation give you the peace and comfort during this difficult transition.
April 2, 2017
In honor of an esteemed lady who loved life with sheer grace and elegance. My dear Orchid Sister will forever be missed, yet never forgotten. Her light will continue to shine bright within all of us who've had the privilege of knowing her. Sincere condolences to the family and may God surround you with Peace and Comfort during this time.
Love,
Dwayne and Tawuana Ford
Cynthia Brown
April 1, 2017
Kelly and Heather,
I offer my heartfelt condolences to my Orchid Sister's children Kelly and Heather. It was a pleasure knowing your mother.
Sharon Gay
April 1, 2017
Kellie and Heather, please accept my condolences on the passing of your mother. Steen was one of the most beautiful, articulate, gracious, and brilliant ladies I've ever met. She lit up every room she walked into with her presence! Steen truly touched my life in the short time I knew her. It seemed as if we had known each other forever! It was indeed a pleasure working with her as my "Orchid Sister." May God bring you comfort during this difficult time, and cherish the wonderful memories of your dear mother.
April 1, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dwight L Thomas, Esq.
April 1, 2017
Heather and Kelly -
It is with deep condolences that we express our sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your mother. Ms. Miles was truly an incredible woman of spiritual strength, warmth and compassion. She represented her family, profession[s] and community with integrity, dignity and intelligence. May your loving memories of her sustain you in the days to come. Her smile could light up a million skies!
Blessings,
The Firm of Dwight L. Thomas, PC
April 1, 2017
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Anita Canada
April 1, 2017
Steen Miles, courageous to the end and into eternity. Thanks for showing us how to fight. Heartfelt condolences to The Miles Family.
Dr. Bernetta Jones
April 1, 2017
Kelly and Heather,
May God strengthen you and comfort you during this season and always.
Much Love,
Bernetta Jones (BJ)
FVSU '89
Dr. Harry Ross
March 31, 2017
March 31, 2017
With deepest sympathy...John 3:16
Jeanette Rozier-Scott
March 31, 2017
With Deepest Sympathy to Steen's Family
March 31, 2017
God bless the extended family of Ms. Steen Miles.
W. & J. Parrish
Rev. & Mrs. Solomon A. Williams
March 31, 2017
In Sympathy
God knows your loss. Lay your burdens in His hands, for he is strong. Rest your head in His shoulders, for he is compassionate. Give to Him your pain and sorrow, for He is love.
Praying that His love will comfort your sorrowing heart, praying that His promises will bring you perfect peace.
Glenn Dowell
March 31, 2017
Kelly and Heather, my sincere expression of sadness at the loss of your mother, and my good friend,Steen. Over the years we spent a lot of time together,sharing quality conversation about life and our faith in God. We did not talk a lot or visit regularly in recent years, but when we did-there was a kindred spirit that we shared. I will miss her.
God's continued blessings to the family.
Glenn Dowell
Debbie Richardson
March 31, 2017
John 17:3,
March 30, 2017
Our sincere condolences to the Miles family.
Fredrick Simpson
March 30, 2017
My Condolences to the Miles Family.
Beth Rehbein
March 30, 2017
She was a lovely person. Visited our church once when running for office. As sweet and down to earth in person as on the TV. Prayers for her family.
March 30, 2017
To the family of Ms Steen Miles you have my condolence. I loved to watch Ms Miles on TV and in person she was truly lovely wonder person. She will be missed. I lost my mother last year October 27 2016. May God comfort and keep. Keep looking up
Mrs Gloria Rainey email is [email protected]
The Willis-Perdue Family
March 30, 2017
Condolences
Diane Harvey
March 30, 2017
When we met years ago, Steen encouraged me to get into broadcasting. I told her I wanted to, but lacked the training. She thought that I had what it takes to succeed. I dabbled at it a bit and enjoyed it. Maybe I will go at it more whole-heartedly in the future. Who better to have confidence in you than Steen Miles! She will be missed by family, friends, fans, the community, and all those she inspired along the way! Much love to her family!
Lillie Coleman Bell
March 30, 2017
Your smile, kindness and general sweet ways will always be here, when I think of you and the way you helped and informed me. You truly earned your wings.
Sallie Dawson
March 30, 2017
My condolescence to Min. Miles' family. She was a part of the Greenforest church family and I will truly miss her. She was a sincere person who called right right and wrong wrong. She always had a kind word to say to me and once again she will be missed.
Lucretia Payton-Stewart
March 30, 2017
A true professional. She will be missed for her forward action in addressing political issues and being a true sister that cared about humanity. I am fortunate that she passed my way. Each of us can take from her the spirit of love for all mankind. May her family know that she left an imprint on so many people.
God bless her family as they go through the journey of celebrating a life well lived.
Love,
Lucretia Payton Stewart, Ph.D.
C. L.
March 30, 2017
My sincere condolences for your great loss. May God be with your family and sustain you during your time of sorrow.
Marion Holloway
March 30, 2017
I worked with Steen when she was with MARTA. I must say that I admired her and she was one bright and welcome spot in my career at MARTA. She was warm and she was genuine, she loved the lord, she was funny and she just had an amazing presence. Healing prayers for all who knew and loved her. I am blessed to have known her.
Berneice Johnson
March 30, 2017
My family lived in the neighborhood and we knew Ms. Miles and the family. My children attended school with Heather. We are so sorry for the loss of your Mother.
. Berneice and Jervison
. Johnson
LaVerne Kennebrew
March 30, 2017
My heart is saddened with this news. I pray this family will be sustained by the many and great memories from yesterday. Be blessed and peace.
Barbara House
March 30, 2017
We lost a great servant from this earthly realm. She will be greatly missed.
Beverly Buck/Travis
March 30, 2017
Kelly and and Heather, it is with much sorrow I mourn the lost of your mother. I don't know if you remember me or not but your mother and I were close friends since the 60's through the Urban League and in Chicago and Atlanta. Heather you were a little girl when I visited your family in Dekalb County and Kelly you had started "growing up." In fact, when your parents visited Irene and Andre, Kelly you were a little girl and my daughter baby-sat you and Che'. Your mother kept me up to date with your ventures, military, school, etc. I will miss your mom and wish we had not let our busy schedules prevent us from more contacts. I will contact you both.
Rosene Virgil
March 30, 2017
My Dearest "Steen", your presence will surely be missed. I've so much respect for you and ALL the causes you stood for. R,I,H, my Friend
Edwina Boggs
March 30, 2017
I am sorry to hear of the loss of this dynamic woman. I know her memory will never be forgotten. May God bless the family with strength and endurance during this time.
Edwina Boggs
March 30, 2017
My condolences...may you rest in power.
Sheila Scales
March 30, 2017
With deepest sympathy to Steen's family.
Bobby L. Fuse, Jr.
March 29, 2017
My prayers of great sympathy are sent to her family, especially her daughters and the young grands she talked about ALL of the time. I cannot recall her family nickname just now, but I shall cherish our times together on her statewide campaign trail in Sumter County and Southwest Georgia. She displayed a peculiar ability to be gravely serious and insanely humorous almost at the same time.
She fought the Good Fight on air, in the well and with the sermon of her life.
Sine' die, my sister.
DeJon Hill
March 29, 2017
Sorry to hear this news. I watched you many years on tv, and enjoyed your compassion and professionalism on the news. Great lost in the Journalism community.
Jackie Boyd
March 29, 2017
May God bless your family and make heaven your home.
Sarah Fife
March 29, 2017
May God bless! I watched her for many years, she was great. I send out a prayer for her, and the family and friends.
Norma Watley
March 29, 2017
My sincere condolences to the families.
My you find comfort and peace in GOD words.
Beverly Johnson (Denmark)
March 29, 2017
Prayers and condolences to Kellie, Heather, family and friends.
Ms Miles was a very intelligent lady with many talents. She always had a warm smile when I saw her.
Showing 1 - 80 of 80 results
Make a Donation
in Steen Miles's name
How to support Steen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Steen Miles's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more