VALDOSTA, GA - PERRY-MILES, Mrs. Oma Velma Perry-Miles - RETIRED EDUCATOR
Oma Velma Perry Miles, a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to all; transitioned to her eternal home on Friday, March 26, 2021. Velma, the youngest child, of the late J.C. (Buster) and Oma Perry was born August 27, 1954 in Valdosta, Georgia.
At an early age, she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and became a lifelong member of Francis Lake A.M.E. Church. She faithfully served her church in leadership roles on the Board of Trustees, the Young Peoples Department, the Sunday School, the Lay Organization and as a Youth Bible Study teacher. She was a devoted member of the A.M.E. Missionary Society on the local, District and Conference levels. Velma was one of the founding members of the South Lowndes County VBS Association. Velma graduated from Lowndes County High School, and received her Bachelor and Master’s degree in Elementary Education as well as an Education Specialist degree from Valdosta State University. Velma retired from Lowndes County Schools with 34 years of service as a teacher and a social worker. She was also an adjunct professor of African American Studies at Valdosta State University. She was a founding member of Camp RELITSO; which provided community outreach and summer school programs for countless children; a charter member of the Whole Way House of Valdosta. Her service to the community included membership and leadership roles in several organizations including Georgia Retired Educators Association, The Exchange Club of Valdosta, Southside Recreation Center, Lowndes County Improvement Association and a was constant face at the Ham and Egg Show. Velma’s love for people was expressed through countless acts of giving, service, words of encouragement and wisdom. She never met a person she would not help, if she could not help, she would not stop until she found someone who would help. Velma’s life was a manifestation of Acts 20:35; “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. Her legacy as an advocate for children, her dedication to her community and various humanitarian causes will forever serve as an inspiration to all.
Velma was proceeded in death by her parents, J.C. (Buster) and Oma Perry, brothers Robert, Roman, James, Leonard and Donald Perry.
She is survived by her husband, John Miles; two sons, John LeVell (Raven) Miles and Joshua Blake (Amber) Miles; two step-daughters, Gloria (Herbert) McRoy and LaTanga (Shawn) Bryant; four siblings, Laverne (Sully) Carter, Mary Nell (LaBarfield) Bryant, Bernard (Shenna) Perry, Linda (Lonnie) Denton; one sister-in-law, Marylyn Perry; adorable and loved grandchildren; devoted niece, Elnora Perry; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southside Recreation Center, 604 S. Oak Street, Valdosta, GA 31601; Francis Lake A.M.E. Church Youth Department, PO Box 152, Lake Park, GA 31636; Hospice of South Georgia, 2263 Pineview Dr., Valdosta, GA 31602.
Graveside service will be held Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the Francis Lake A.M.E. Church Cemetery, 905 Lakes Blvd., Lake Park, GA 31636. Pastor Sharron Jackson, officiating. The service will be live streamed on the funeral home Facebook page, Stevens Funeral Home.
Public viewing will be held Friday, April 2 from 1:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
We solicit your prayers for The Perry-Miles Family.
Due to COVID-19, Stevens Funeral Home will be enforcing social distancing and following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. We ask that anyone entering the building and attending any funeral events to please wear a mask.
Stevens Funeral Home of Valdosta serving The Perry-Miles family with care, compassion, love and uncompromising dignity.
My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Miles family and closest friends. I was just one of the many kids she taught along the way. I was in here first class taught at Lowndes Middle School. One day she asked to see me after class. She asked me if I had plans to go to college. Well, no one in my family had ever been to college. My eyes got big, and I told her I probably wasn't smart enough to go to college. She got a look in her eyes and said, "Why would you say something like that? You are smart enough to go to college. Now you think about that, okay?". Well, my mind was blown. But once I begin to think about it, it was all I could think of. A few weeks later she asked me to stay after class again. She asked me if I had thought about our last conversation about college. I told her I had but I didn't know where I would find the money. She told me, when it got time for me to go to college and if I had not found a way, to come back and see her. She told me she would help me find the way. Well, I found the way through scholarships and working a few jobs. But I'm not sure if I had ever really thought I was college material, if Mrs. Miles hadn't been the one to plant that seed of thought. I have done so much in my life and to be honest, it all started with Mrs. Miles inspiration. I'm just a person she inspired, during those early days when she was Miss Perry and I was just an awkward kid in the 6th grade. It didn't really stop there, though. She would keep me after class sometimes and ask me what my dreams were. Of course I didn't know but she would tell me to think about it and come back to her with the answers. Do you know everything we talked about in those early days, I have done? It is with chills all over my body and teary eyes that I owe everything I aspired to be, because of those conversations. Plus, she had those conversations about giving back to the younger generations, which I've done. I became an international accountant, a hospice caregiver, a teacher, a pilot and more. All of those dreams, STARTED with those conversations Mrs. Miles would have with me. I'll loved her dearly then and I always will love her dearly. I wish for all those who loved her to be surrounded by the peace of angels. Mrs. Miles was a very beautiful and bright light, who inspired MANY to be bright lights, too.
I I have known Velma since she went to LHS and we worked together at superintendents office nice person great attitude and smile God bless her family Steve keeper sr
My grandma was and is the best granny in the world we all miss her. She watching over me and my brothers now ready to walk cross the stage just to show her i did it. love yhu so much- jada
I remembered Mrs.Perry-Miles' Social Studies and Language Arts classes. She told the most amazing stories in class. She was a phenomenal woman I will ever meet. When we receive a bad grade on an assignment she finds a way to inspire us to do our best. Those were the qualities I admire about her. She will be greatly missed. _Douglas E Hopper (1985-1986)
My conferences to the Perry-Miles family and to all who knew and loved her. I was a 6th grade student who first knew her as Miss Perry and then as Mrs. Miles, after she married that year. She was one of those teachers for me, the kind that inspire something, with you that just keeps growing and growing, like a beautiful orchid. She inspired me to, essentially be, a better me. She was infinently kind, but tough, gentle but strong and with everything she did, she did with grace. I know she will be greatly missed. She was a teacher, mentor and friend to me. And though my path took me thousands of miles away, from that classroom, in South Georgia; the seed was planted there, by her. May each of us, she inspired, be as amazing as she was. 💜
It is with fond memories of Velma and I growing up together in Clyattville, that I express my sincere condolences to the Miles and Perry families. She will always be remembered in this community for her loving spirit and willingness to help everyone who passed her way. It is such a blessing that she leaves so many wonderful memories to sustain you in days and years to come. I was out of state during the time of her home going, however, know that myself and the entire Hart family are praying for you daily. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul! God bless each of you! Pastor Berlinda A. Hart Love
She was a people person! So cheerful and happy to see you every time she saw you. She always took time to talk to you and ask about your family. She'll be missed. SIP
In the valley right now, but I do know joy is coming. "On that Resurrection morning when all the dead in Christ shall rise, we'll have a new body Praise the Lord we'll have a new life." With Sympathy, Rose Marrian Crawford-Lester
Thank you Ms Miles for everything that you did for me and my daughter. As I told you every time I saw you and talked with you . You will be truly missed
Ms.Carol Peak Jacobs
Velma and I taught together my first year at LMS and enjoyed a long friendship for the past 40 so years. My first memory of her is when she drove the school bus when I was in high school. I always kidded her about that. Whenever I saw her we always picked up where we left off. She was a special person to me and I will remember her fondly. The Perry family and my family are long time friends. Deepest sympathy, Sharon Hall Flythe
Dear Perry-Miles Family: I join you in thanks and praise to our God for Velma's very busy and productive life. She truly was a most giving, loving, and joy-filled person. In her life of giving, God added to her the MILES name, for she certainly put a lot of miles on her body as she traveled in fulfilling the ministry of helps calling on her life. Francis Lake Family and friends grieve her passing along with you, for we are all deeply affected as one of our true community pillars is laid to rest. Emily Moore
There are no words to express how much Velma will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She was a dear dear friend. My prayer is that God will give you peace during this time. Jennell Lane
Sending love and condolences she is in a better place now smiling down. -Sumlin Family
To the Perry-Miles Family...We offer our deepest condolences to the family. Velma never met a stranger. Velma loved the Lord, her family, her community. She was always giving and caring and had a terrific sense of humor. God has gained a wonderful "Angel." Velma will be missed so much. Sending our Love. Sharon & Calvin Walker
My heart is filled with sadness. I have many wonderful memories of my work with Velma. She was such a warm and caring person. She has served well. The work she has done speaks for her. Family take comfort in knowing that she kept the faith and served faithfully to help others. I pray your strength in the Lord as you go through this time of sorrow. Brenda Williams
So very sorry to hear of Velma's passing. She was a special lady and friend. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with each of you at this sad time. David and Susie Pike
So very sorry to hear of Velma's passing. She was a very special lady and friend. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you at this sad time. David and Susie Puke
So very sorry to hear of Velma's passing. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time. She was a special lady and friend. David and Susie Pike.
I am sending my condolences to the family of Velma Perry Miles. She was one of my middle school Teacher's, we all loved her and she loved us. I know we will see each other again in Heaven.
Velma Our deepest condolences to the family. We don't know the date time or hour of our transition. God's will and plan for you is done. Rest In Peace. Your faithfulness and committment to the Perry family reunion was one of a kind and will always be one that we will never forget. You will be missed. Sincerely,
The Perry Family A village that loves you
To the family of Sister Velma, Words cannot express how much your loved one enriched my life. She met a stranger and made her a friend. She knew that I had no family in the area and she offered her own. I was never a stranger in her home. She lived and loved as God commanded. I really loved her smile -- it was quick and genuine. Her laugh always made me laugh in return. I will always be grateful that God allowed our paths to cross. I thank Him for the wonderful memories. My prayers of comfort for her family, especially her husband, her sons, and her beautiful grandchildren. It's so good to know that she is finally, "Safe In His Arms."
Mary S. Willis
Condolences to the family of this phenomenal woman. I had the opportunity to know Velma and appreciated her care and concern for others. Her legacy will live on through her family. Praying for each family member 's strength. The memories shared with her will sustain you. Sending love, Andrew and Deborah Smith.
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