WELCH — Mrs. Muriel M. Martin Miles, age 94, of 125 Oak Street in Welch, peacefully departed this life on Sunday, November 1, 2009 in Bluefield Regional Medical Center.

She was born September 21, 1915 in Marytown and the daughter of the late Robert Martin and Annie Johnson Martin. In 1933, she was Valedictorian for her graduating Class at Kimball High School. At an early age she became a Christian and joined the Mourners Valley Baptist Church in Marytown. She was formerly employed at Lee’s drycleaners and a secretary for Attorney A.C. Cunningham’s Law Office in Welch. She worked at Doctors’ Memorial Hospital, where she organized and was an elected representative for the Union serving as Secretary until the closing of the Hospital in 1977. She was a faithful member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Welch and served as Church Clerk for over 23 years, member of the adult choir and one of the last two original members of the Blue & White Missionary Circle. In 1986, she was presented a “Distinguished West Virginian Certificate” by the honorable Governor Arch Moore and was elected to the House of Delegates for two terms and Senator for two terms to the “Silver Haired,” Legislature as a representative for McDowell County. Also, she was awarded a certificate of recognition by the Honorable Governor Joe Manchin III. She was a member and held offices with the Court of Calanthe Lodge, served on the Commission on Aging Board of Directors for 14 years, and was a member who held various offices with both the McDowell Homemakers and Golden Age Senior Citizens. She also served as an annual volunteer for several charitable Organizations. Mrs. Miles was an avid reader and a Bible Scholar who enjoyed cooking, working puzzles, dancing and attending the Kimball High School reunions.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, who raised her, Wesley Perry; her husband, Brady Miles; a daughter, Shirley Arnett Pope; her brothers, David Wesley, Ralph and William T. Perry; and a sister, Shirley Perry Walker.

Mrs. Miles leaves a life time of loving memories to her children, Brady D. Miles of the home, Evangelist Phyllis D. (Miles) and husband, Bishop John A. Martin Jr. and Marvin Y. Miles, Sr., both of Huntington; a son-in-law, Clyde M. Pope of Welch; 13 grandchildren, David, Angie, Carole (Johnny), Mikell (Houston), Jerry, Jeremiah and Nehemiah, Deirdre “Della,” Natasha (Dwight), John “J3,” Brady, Mesher and Marvin Jr.; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Robert and wife, Sylvia Perry; two sisters, Imogene Perry Moore and Minister Gaynell Perry Washington and husband, David, all of New Haven, Conn.; and a sister-in-law, Lela Perry of Hartford, Conn.; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and special cousin, Margaret Powell and husband, Theodore of Marytown; her Church family; many neighbors and friends; and special life long friend, Lucy M. Bradley of Chicago, Ill.

Homegoing services for Mrs. Miles will be held as 12:00 noon, on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Welch with her Pastor, the Reverend George Masterson and her son-in-law, Bishop John A. Martin Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Bluewell. Friends of the family will serve as both pallbearers and flower bearers.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., until 12:00 noon on Saturday, at the church.

Arrangements and services entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch.

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