LaVerne Miles Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Sister LaVerne Miles, née Thompson, was born in Chicago on April 16, 1927, to Green and Fannie Thompson. She graduated from Wendell Phillips High School and went on to acquire a degree in cosmetology from Dunbar Career Vocational Academy in 1965. She used her skills primarily on family members. LaVerne married Harry Miles in 1947. To their union were born their three devoted children, Harry R. Miles (Boots), Ronald L. Miles, and Darleen Miles Rodgers. LaVerne came to know and love her God, Jehovah, and as an expression of her faith was baptized on February 2, 1972. She attended the Lake Meadows Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and later transitioned to the Pershing Congregation. Her friends there remember her for her wonderful verbal expressions which could be well heard because, although small, she had a powerful voice. She was also known there for her loving attention to the sick. As soon as she heard that a member of the congregation was ill she would purchase a giant get well-card and pass it around to have everyone add their well wishes. All who received her cards were deeply moved and greatly encouraged. Her only complaint was her dwindling eyesight, which prompted all who approached to announce their names and receive a hug. LaVerne was such a caring person, especially where family was concerned. In addition to raising her own children, she served as a second mother to her niece, Barbara Ferguson as well as to her nephew, Darryl Ferguson. She also took the time whenever asked to babysit her grandchildren without hesitation. At her insistence, they lovingly called her “mother dear.” In fact, If they called her anything else, she simply would not answer. Her family fondly remember her as a lover of dancing. She told them of doing the ‘Jitterbug’ in her youth and was even doing the ‘Electric Slide’ well into her 70s. Another trademark often commented on was her stylish way of dressing. Her purse and high heeled shoes always matched her outfit. LaVerne was noted for her great love of walking. While living in the South Loop area in her later years she often walked to the former Marshall Fields Department Store and enjoyed coffee and donuts in the cafeteria while taking in her surroundings. On a good day she would walk back home again. LaVerne fell asleep in death peacefully at the home of her daughter, Darleen, on June 25, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents Green and Fannie Thompson; her mate of 39 years, Harry Miles on June 17, 1986; as she was the last of eight siblings, Jennie Mae Hollway, Louise Thompson, James Thompson, Johnny Thompson, Sarah Thompson, Huberta Ferguson and Mildred Pondexter; and one niece she helped raise Barbara Ferguson. She is mourned by her sons Harry R. Miles (Priscilla) and Ronald L. Miles; her daughter Darleen Rodgers; her grandchildren, Marlon Miles, Mylum Miles, Marlo Miles, Monee Miles, Ricky Miles, Antonio Miles, Ronald Miles, Jr., Darleen Miles, Rommel Miles, Marquita Miles, Aubrey Rodgers, Jr., and Chinere Rodgers; as well as a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Tributes

LaVerne Miles

April 16, 1927 - June 25, 2018