Janet Rebecca Miles

On November 2, 1934, Janet Rebecca Miles was the fifth child born to the late Beverly S. Miles and Emma C. Miles. Janet was educated in the public schools of Charles City County graduating from Ruthville High School in 1951. She furthered her education at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) where she majored in Home Economics and earned a Bachelor's Degree in 1956. She continued her studies at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) earning a Master's of Education degree in 1983. In 1984, she was certified as a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society by election of the VCU chapter. Janet's rewarding professional career was spent as a teacher with Charles City County Public Schools beginning in 1957. During her tenure, she taught elementary grades four through seven as well as general science, chemistry, and vocational home economics. After more than thirty years of committed service, she retired in June 1990. In 2001, she was recognized for her dedicated service by the Charles City Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). At an early age, Janet confessed Christ and joined Gilfield Baptist Church where she was a lifelong member. A philanthropist at heart, she demonstrated genuine concern for the welfare of others and generously supported her church and many other worthwhile causes such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, to name a few. She held a lifelong membership with the Charles City Chapter of the NAACP and was a charter member of the National Museum of African American History and Culture located in Washington, DC. Janet was also a member of the Virginia State University Alumni Association (VSUAA) - Charles City Chapter and the Charles City/New Kent Retired Teachers Association. As the first girl born to Beverly and Emma, Janet was affectionately called "Sister" by her four older brothers. The name stuck and, throughout her life, she was referred to as "Sister" by family and much of the community. She delighted in her family and gave much of herself to make family time a special time for all. She was the consummate hostess at the much anticipated gatherings especially during the holidays. In spite of what was going on, Janet was one who seemed to never lose her cool. She found pleasure and beauty in the simple things of life: family, fishing, flowers, outings, reading, all types of puzzles, good food—and very recently—a family of geese. Janet was an extraordinary example to her family and leaves an indelible legacy because of the graciousness, professionalism, kindness, patience, generosity, and love she exemplified. She offered a safe place for family to share problems and concerns simply by listening or offering an encouraging word. And, she possessed the rare gift of contentment. Seldom did she complain regardless of the circumstances, truly epitomizing the Scripture found in the fourth chapter of Philippians, verse 11: (New King James Version) "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." Her faith in God never wavered. After experiencing a recent medical trauma, she softly uttered these words: "God was with me." The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 16th at Vincent Funeral Home, 9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge, Va 23140. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 17th, at Vincent Funeral Home with Rev. Michael L. Jones, Sr. officiating. Interment at Gilfield Baptist Church (6640 Church Lane, Charles City, Va). Services for Ms. Miles can be viewed at the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/825142

Janet Rebecca Miles

November 2, 1934 - June 9, 2021