Donna Nell Miles

Obituary of an Ordinary Lady- Donna Nell Webster Miles

Donna N. Miles gently departed this life on January 16, 2026. She grasped her dusty green silk scarf and floated away. There may be children from her classrooms who remember the thrill of dancing with scarves. On one occasion, when the principal entered her classroom, there were twenty-five first graders serenely whirling and gliding as their many-colored scarves transformed into ghosts of Mary Poppin's 'Let's Go Fly A Kite.' Not an easy thing to explain. "What is the purpose?" he asked. "It is for fun. Music and movement ease tensions.”

Not so long ago, a minister posed a question to his congregants. "Have you decided upon a purpose for your life?" It was a question Donna had pondered as a young adult. She believed she was ordinary, not exceptional. She had no treasure chests of gold and silver; she didn't excel in talents; she wasn't beautiful; nor did she have a claim on celebrity. Surely there was a reason for her to be in this time and place. She remembered a teacher years before had admonished her that it was enough for her to just be herself So what assets did she have? What could she offer? She chose to live out of her joy filled heart. Her expressions were her exceptional smile, her generous acceptance of others, and her genuine desire to be present to those whose hearts were heavy. Throughout her lifetime she has been a Christ Follower carrying the light of His love to an often dark world.

Donna had a passion for family. She took advantage of any 'rainy day' excuse to gather family for a time around the dinner table. She assumed the role of cook for these occasions. Sometimes menus for meals were traditional but most of the time the family knew they were taking potluck. That is to say, Donna liked to try new, sometimes untested, recipes. A big thanks to gracious family and friends who always returned for a repeat hoo-ha (unexpected, unheard or never heard of again meal or event).

Donna was an advocate of young children. She taught in public schools in Liberal, Kansas, Westerville, Ohio, and Putnam City in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 1972, Donna was privileged to be the founder and director of Warm World School for young children. Since her retirement, she has devoted time to volunteering at Positive Tomorrows (a school for homeless children) and El Sistema (a musical program for underprivileged children). Donna has been honored to work with so very many beautiful young children. She credits the wisdom of parents who trusted her visions of preserving childhood for their young. She advocated that it is the right of every child to have a childhood free of the burdens belonging to adults.

Donna was blessed with a host of wonderful friends. She thanks everyone who loved her and tenderly cared for her in this lifetime.

Those waiting to greet Donna are her parents Dewey and Irene Webster, her brother Marion Francis Webster, twin brother Donald Webster and sister Joan Kopper. Those living in the beautiful memories of Donna’s life are her beloved husband and best friend Larry Miles, daughter Michelle Miles Brecht, granddaughter Mickenzie Brecht Bush (Gary), her great grandchild Charlie Bush and sister-in-law, Anna Webster.

Memorials may be made to the Warm World School Scholarship Fund c/o Church of the Servant 14343 N. MacArthur Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73142.

Or simply hug a child and tell them you love them.