Mrs. Ella Sophia Gantt Miles

Ella Sophia (Gantt) Miles was born January 1, 1928 in Upper Marlboro, MD; the third of 16 children to the late Robert and Florence (Hamilton) Gantt. She departed this life quietly on September 17, 2015 at the age of 87 in her home in Cooksville, MD, under hospice care, surrounded by her loving family. Ella attended elementary school at Bowie Demonstration School and after completing the 11th grade at the age of 16, graduated from Highland Park High School in 1944. In 1945, she was employed as a Laundry Checker-Sorter at Fort George Meade where she met and subsequently married Nison Carroll Miles, Sr. There were six children born from this union. Following the tragic death of her husband in 1956, Ella moved to Cooksville, MD to raise her family as a single parent. She actively involved her family in school, civic and Church activities. She worked in numerous ways supporting Cooksville Elementary School, was President of the Harriet Tubman PTA and supported her children in all of their activities. She often transported her children and friends to and from Harriet Tubman High School events. Ella was a member of the Dorsey Education Fund, worked taking census in 1990 and served as a local election judge for many years. She was an active and faithful member of Mt. Gregory U.M. Church, until her death. She raised her children in the church and served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher, supported the United Methodist Youth Fellowship, Chairperson of the Administrative Council, Church Historian, member of the Building Committee, the Trustee Board, the Senior Choir, Staff-Parish Relations Committee, Communion Visitations and various positions within the United Methodist Women. She was selected “Woman of the Year” by the UMW Baltimore West District in 1994 and Mt. Gregory’s “Woman of the Year” in 2006. After moving to Cooksville, Ella worked part-time doing domestic work. In 1968 she was employed as a custodian at Glenwood Middle School. It was also at this time that she enrolled at Coppin State University as a part-time student. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 3.9 GPA in June 1976 with a BS degree in Elementary Education and was inducted into Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. Following graduation, she obtained a position as a Day Care Teacher for the State of Maryland in Frederick City. She also obtained a license and drove a school bus to pick up children for Day Care. When the State closed its day care centers in 1980, Ella was laid off for almost a year before securing a position with the State of Maryland Office of Parole & Probation as a Probation Officer in Westminster, MD. She worked there for nine years and retired in 1990, at the age of 62. Ella enjoyed reading, Bible Study, gardening, sewing, being with friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was known to talk to anyone she met as if they were life long friends; she never met a stranger she didn’t know. After retiring, she enjoyed traveling with her family throughout the United States and cruising the Caribbean islands. Her favorite vacations were Disney World and Cypress Garden in Florida, the Grand Canyon, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ella leaves a legacy of love, wisdom and faith. Her life is a reflection of determination, devotion and victory over numerous life obstacles. She met life’s challenges and not only persevered, but she overcame. She is predeceased by her husband, Nison Miles, Sr., her oldest daughter, Constance Miles, her parents, three sisters and six brothers. She leaves to celebrate her legacy, five children - N. Carroll Miles, Jr., Stephen (Patsy) Miles, Cheryl Miles, C. Diane (James, Jr.) Becks and Colleen (Philip, Sr.) Tyrus; nine grandchildren - Craig (Wendy) Miles, Nicole Miles, Danielle (Eric) Henson, Damian Miles, Stacey (Star) Shahuri, Ashley Tyrus, Justin Becks, Philip Tyrus and Elijah Miles; seven great grandchildren - Julian Henson, McKenzie Henson, Zoe Miles, Quintin Miles, Kamryn Henson, Brayden Shahuri and Coltin Shahuri; three brothers - Paul (Leana) Gantt, George (Mary) Gantt, Richard (Joyce) Gantt; a sister-in-law, Consuelo Gantt; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her church family. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or to Gilchrist Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Rd., Ste 350, Hunt Valley MD 21031-9981

Mrs. Ella Sophia Gantt Miles

January 1, 1928 - September 17, 2015