Mamie Miles Petty
March 15, 1920 ~ September 24, 2018
Mamie Miles Petty (98 years young)
WWII Navy Veteran
Mamie Miles Petty of Hillsboro Beach, Florida and Reston, Virginia passed away peacefully in her Virginia home on September 24th, with family by her side.
She was born Mamie Price Merrill on March 15, 1920 in Gulfport, Mississippi to Kate Alma and Peter Wilson Merrill. In 1941 she married Edgar James Miles, U.S. Army, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. When Lt. Miles was sent overseas for World War II in 1943, she joined the WAVES and became a Pharmacist Mate 3rd class during her two and one-half years of service before the war ended. She and her husband lived in many states, as well as six years in Germany, during his 20-year military service.
After Edgar passed, Mamie traveled and enjoyed cruises with her best friend from childhood. She moved to Florida to be near the ocean, close friends and family members. While on a cruise with her children, their spouses and Mamie’s best friend, she was blessed to meet the second love of her life, Charles O. Petty of Taylor Mill, Kentucky. They were married, and when not traveling spent their years between their homes in northern Kentucky and south Florida, dancing, entertaining, hosting family visits, and enjoying their lives together.
She was a member of the Officer Wives Club during the 20 years of Edgar’s service in the Army. She was in the Woman’s Club of Colonial Heights, Virginia where she was given the Outstanding Member Award for 1965 and 1966 for her work in establishing the Violet Bank library, the first library in Colonial Heights. She was a charter member of the Springfield, Virginia Garden Club in 1968. Mamie was an active supporter of her grandchildren’s sporting, musical, church and school activities. Mamie’s faith was strong and she rarely missed church.
Her greatest love in life was her family but she also shared a passion for gardening and reading. Mamie was happiest near a beach enjoying family, good seafood, and some white wine with ice. She loved the annual beach vacations with her extended family.
She was preceded in death by her first husband Lt. Colonel Edgar J. Miles in 1975, and her second husband Charles O. Petty in 1994.
Mamie’s memory is carried on and celebrated by all who knew her, but especially by her children Barry Miles (Marcelle), Allan Miles (Mari) and Deborah Miles (Paul Brown); step-children Gary Petty (Lyn), Lorna Harrell (Dennis), her 18 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Mrs. Petty was the second youngest in a family of nine children and was the last surviving member.
Rest in peace, Mamie Petty, on a life well lived.
Visitation is Friday, October 5th, 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Money and King Funeral Home; 171 Maple Ave W; Vienna, VA. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, October 6th, 10:00 am, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church; 2589 Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna, VA. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Attendees are asked to arrive at the cemetery 45 minutes prior to service time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mamie’s memory to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Mamie’s honor to her niece who recently passed.
WWII Navy Veteran
Mamie Miles Petty of Hillsboro Beach, Florida and Reston, Virginia passed away peacefully in her Virginia home on September 24th, with family by her side.
She was born Mamie Price Merrill on March 15, 1920 in Gulfport, Mississippi to Kate Alma and Peter Wilson Merrill. In 1941 she married Edgar James Miles, U.S. Army, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. When Lt. Miles was sent overseas for World War II in 1943, she joined the WAVES and became a Pharmacist Mate 3rd class during her two and one-half years of service before the war ended. She and her husband lived in many states, as well as six years in Germany, during his 20-year military service.
After Edgar passed, Mamie traveled and enjoyed cruises with her best friend from childhood. She moved to Florida to be near the ocean, close friends and family members. While on a cruise with her children, their spouses and Mamie’s best friend, she was blessed to meet the second love of her life, Charles O. Petty of Taylor Mill, Kentucky. They were married, and when not traveling spent their years between their homes in northern Kentucky and south Florida, dancing, entertaining, hosting family visits, and enjoying their lives together.
She was a member of the Officer Wives Club during the 20 years of Edgar’s service in the Army. She was in the Woman’s Club of Colonial Heights, Virginia where she was given the Outstanding Member Award for 1965 and 1966 for her work in establishing the Violet Bank library, the first library in Colonial Heights. She was a charter member of the Springfield, Virginia Garden Club in 1968. Mamie was an active supporter of her grandchildren’s sporting, musical, church and school activities. Mamie’s faith was strong and she rarely missed church.
Her greatest love in life was her family but she also shared a passion for gardening and reading. Mamie was happiest near a beach enjoying family, good seafood, and some white wine with ice. She loved the annual beach vacations with her extended family.
She was preceded in death by her first husband Lt. Colonel Edgar J. Miles in 1975, and her second husband Charles O. Petty in 1994.
Mamie’s memory is carried on and celebrated by all who knew her, but especially by her children Barry Miles (Marcelle), Allan Miles (Mari) and Deborah Miles (Paul Brown); step-children Gary Petty (Lyn), Lorna Harrell (Dennis), her 18 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Mrs. Petty was the second youngest in a family of nine children and was the last surviving member.
Rest in peace, Mamie Petty, on a life well lived.
Visitation is Friday, October 5th, 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Money and King Funeral Home; 171 Maple Ave W; Vienna, VA. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, October 6th, 10:00 am, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church; 2589 Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna, VA. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Attendees are asked to arrive at the cemetery 45 minutes prior to service time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mamie’s memory to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Mamie’s honor to her niece who recently passed.
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I remember embarrassing her several times at family reunions by giving her “Age Defying Makeup” as a joke.
I also remember being at her surprise 90th Birthday party 8 years ago and how surprised she was to see my brother and I.
Debi and family, What a wonderful life your dear mother lived! So full of adventure, experience, and joy. It was always a treat to talk with her and hear that sweet laugh. May the promise of Christ hold you now.
May the God of all comfort continue to provide you all with the healing you need at this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4). Please accept our condolences.
Debi and Family, My days are at a loss, without seeing Mamie. I Miss Her Very Much! She was the Sunshine in my Mornings. GOD BLESS My Deepest Sympathy With Much Love, Ali Dodge
We had so many good times together with Mom (“Grammy”). From going to UVA football games, attending her granddaughters weddings, splashing in the ocean or pool, cookouts, reading to the kids, and listening to her many interesting stories. Mom, we miss you so much but are happy you are at peace.
I’m so sorry for your recent loss. My deepest condolences to your family. Death of a loved one is never easy to endure, but you don’t have to go through it alone. You can always find comfort in our God of tender mercy Jehovah, as found at 2 Corinthians 1:3,4.
Many wonderful memories from the 60’s and the 70’s in Springfield. RIP Sweet Lady.
Condolences to the Family.
John and Carolyn Deeney