Iris Zola Miles

Iris Zola Miles was born on April 9, 1925 to the late Edward and Evelyne (Cottman) Archie in Accomack County, Virginia. She departed this life on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury, MD.  After her mother’s death, Iris cared for her siblings along with her own children.  She worked many jobs including Campbell Soup Co., and many years at Metompkin Bay Oyster Co. where she worked diligently until her health failed.

In her younger years, her spiritual upbringing was at Wayman AME Church on Wayman Road, under Pastor Rev. Job Lane.  When the church closed, she became a member of John Wesley United Methodist Church and at the time of her passing, she was the oldest member of the church.  Iris served as a Communion Steward, a member of the kitchen committee, the board of trustees, and a member of the United Methodist Women.  She was also an honorary member of the Marionette Social Club.  Iris was happiest when she was surrounded by family and for many years her home was the place for family gatherings.

Iris leaves to cherish her memories one son, William (Dump) Miles of Princess Anne, MD, Evelyn Johnson of East New Market, MD, Bertha Cottingham (Donald) of Hanover, MD; three sisters Naomi Whittington of New Castle, DE, Lillie Johnson of Philadelphia, PA, and Magnolia Steward of Marion, MD; one brother James Archie (Marjorie) of Melbourne, FL; two step sisters, Lucille Burrows of Crisfield, MD, Deloris Scholfield of Salisbury, MD; one step brother, Tyrone Worthy (Naomi) of Pocomoke, MD; 12 grandchildren, Charles Edward Forman(Lynette) of Port Norris, NJ, Wayne Forman of Port Norris, NJ, Theresa (Tiny) Miles of East New Market, MD, whom she raised as her own, Eric Archie of Baltimore, MD, Denise Cottingham of Glen Burnie, MD, Frederick Grant (Errika) of Douglasville, GA, Donna Miles of Bowie, MD, LaTrice Miles of Waldorf, MD, Jennifer Miles of Glen Burnie, MD, Yolanda Miles of Las Vegas, NV, and Larry Miles, Jr. (Kristen) of Elkridge, MD; thirteen great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; she was a mother figure to Hazel and Hubert Barnes of Laurel, MD and Della and Cleveland Johnson of Salisbury, MD, and Clarence Fountain of Marion Station, MD; a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Iris had a few special people in her life, April Hill, her caregiver, Donna (Granny) Sterling, Milky Brown, Charles Mack, Arthur Whittington, Jr., Russel Bishop, and her dear friend, Vera Sutton, whom she spoke with every day.

Iris was preceded in death by her husband, Charles S. Miles; three sons, Charles I. Miles, Samuel Archie, and Larry Miles, Sr.; one grandchild, Charles Evans; two sisters Gertrude Savage and Sarah Nutter; and one brother, Thomas Archie.

A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, March 24, 2018 at John Wesley United Methodist Church in Marion Station with a viewing one-hour prior.  A viewing will also be held 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday March 23, 2018 at the Church.

Interment will be at the Church Cemetery.