Dr. Peggy Lee Miles

Dr. Peggy Lee Miles died unexpectedly on July 8, 2024 in Midlothian, Virginia at the age of 73. Her passing is an enormous loss to her family, friends, and extended community.

Peggy will be remembered as an advocate for education. Known for her attentive listening and sound advice, she was a trusted confidant to many. Her love for her family and grandchildren was evident in every aspect of her life, and she cherished the moments spent with them. A lover of travel and art, she found joy in exploring new places and local galleries. She was an avid reader and lover of water and the sun. She was a nurturing caretaker who would often put the needs of others in front of her own. She embodied the roles of mother, friend, and wife with grace and dedication. She was beloved by her neighbors, co-workers, and church community. Her legacy of compassion and commitment to others will be remembered by all that had the privilege to know her.

Peggy is survived by her two daughters, Jennifer (Ivan) Thomas and Leigh (Chad) Jackson, and her dear cousins, Gloria (Gregory) Garner and Jan Skeete and Vivian Seale of Barbados W.I., her brothers-in-law, Hal (Kim) Miles, Ira (Cindy) Miles, Van (Angela) Miles, Derrick Hinnant, and Rodriguez (Nicole) Ross, and sisters-in-law Ava, Jeanny, and Joanetta Hinnant, and Rosemaria Hinnant-Rozier. Peggy is also survived by her 12 beloved grandchildren: Christopher, Taylor, and Jordan Thomas; Ayden, Lahela, Tristan, Reese, Addison, Noah, and Quinten Jr. Miles; and Myles and Corrine Jackson, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father James Albert Grant, mother Adelaide Grant, and stepmother Viola Grant, her husband Willie Winston Miles, Jr., her son Quinten Miles, Sr., her mother-in-law Minister Ozelle Ross, and granddaughter Gabriella Martin.

Peggy was born on November 13, 1950 in Bronx, NY. She graduated from Kansas State Teacher's College of Emporia in 1972 (now Emporia State University). She earned a master's degree in education from John Carroll University in 1980, and later earned a doctorate in education from NOVA Southeastern University in 2001. She began her career as an early education educator in the New Jersey public school system. She later moved to Cleveland, Ohio and began working in Warrensville Heights public schools as a school psychologist. In 1989, she moved to Midlothian, VA and continued her career in early education until she retired in 2011 as the Supervisor of Psychologists and Diagnostics for Chesterfield County Public Schools. In retirement, she gave back to the education community, serving as a consultant for Petersburg public schools, professor at Virginia State University, and serving as a trustee for Emporia State University. In this work she made lifelong friendships and considered many of her co-workers to be members of her extended family. She was also an active member of First Baptist Church (Centralia) and served dutifully on the church's Scholarship and History Committees. Her dedication to education and unwavering support for the well-being of youth and their communities will leave a lasting impact that will be felt for generations to come.

She married the love of her life, Willie, in a small ceremony on February 4, 1973. A much larger wedding ceremony was held on July 14, 1973. They began their life in Rahway, NJ and later moved to Cleveland, OH. They raised 3 children, Jennifer, Quinten, and Leigh Ann who will remember her as the eternal self-proclaimed "25-year old techie" who loved spending time with family, traveling, appreciating black art, consuming historical fiction, Barbados, relaxing to smooth jazz, and walks to the lake. She was an exceptional listener who offered sound life advice, possessed a deep understanding of people, and was always willing to help, often going out of her way to support her family, friends and loved ones.

The viewing and visitation for Peggy will held from 4-7pm (ET) on Monday July 15, 2024 at the Johnson Funeral Home (530 S. Sycamore Street, Petersburg, VA). Her funeral is scheduled for 11am (ET) on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at First Baptist Church, Centralia (2920 Kingsdale Road, Richmond, VA 23237) officiated by Dr. Wilson E.B. Shannon. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Peggy's life.