Mildred O'Quinn Miley's Obituary
Mildred Grace O’Quinn Miley, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on September 20, 2021, due to pancreatic cancer. She was happily married for 64 years to James William “Bob” Miley, who died in 2015.
Mildred is survived by three children and six grandchildren: Lisa Miley Geary (Cove) of Mandeville (Cei, Caroline, Cove), Sandra Louise Miley of Covington, and James William Miley, Jr. (Sue) of Prairieville (Rachel Isbill (Evans), James Miley (Macy), Katie Myers (Danny)). Mildred was also blessed with and is survived by her adorable great-granddaughter, Addison Myers. Two sisters, Estelle Byrne Porter of Natchez, MS and Elizabeth Murphree of Round Rock, TX, wonderful friends throughout her life, also survive her, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Mildred was born in Church Hill, Mississippi on February 15, 1934, the youngest of six siblings. She was graduated from Mississippi College and began teaching middle school in Clarksdale. She married Bob in 1956, shortly after Bob’s niece insisted that he meet her new teacher. Mildred and Bob began married life in Houston, TX where she taught while Bob started his C.P.A. career with Arthur Andersen & Co. They soon moved to south Louisiana, where Mildred devoted herself to her growing family and was always loving, patient, and supportive.
Mildred and Bob were founding members of John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Metairie, where Mildred served as an Elder and devoted volunteer. She became Sandra’s best friend and helper following Sandra’s disability. She answered myriad calls for help from her childrens’ schools, teams, and activities. She continued serving at New Covenant Presbyterian Church after she and Bob moved to Mandeville in 1993.
When her youngest child started school, Mildred discovered golf. She played with friends during the week and with Bob on the weekends. She won two Ladies Club Championships at Metairie Country Club and two more at Beau Chene, achieving six holes-in-one along the way. A joyful competitor, she played twice weekly into her mid-80s, saying that the fun and friendship kept her active and happy in her last years.
She appreciated the beauty of the Alabama Gulf Coast, where she and Bob spent many happy days, often in the company of their children and first grandchildren. She also enjoyed bridge, gardening, a wide variety of literature, and the welcoming community at Christwood CCRC. Mildred loved all animals, especially dogs, and surprised her family five years ago by adopting Coco, a lively Havanese puppy, who gave her and still gives Sandra much joy.
Mildred was predeceased by her parents, Thomas Jefferson O’Quinn and Estelle Bolls O’Quinn, and three brothers, Thomas, William, and James O’Quinn, all of whom served overseas in WWII.
Her family misses her dearly, and daily remembers her kind, generous, selfless and independent nature. The family thanks her hospice nurse Lisa Sacks, the staff of Hospice of STPH, and the Christwood community, particularly the dedicated staff in the Skilled Nursing Unit, for supporting Mildred so compassionately through her last weeks. She could not have had better care and support from her nurses and aides.
Friends are invited to a memorial service at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 4375 Hwy. 22, in Mandeville, LA on October 9, 2021, with visitation starting at 10:00 am and service at 11:00 am. Due to COVID, the family requests that attendees wear a mask when indoors and follow applicable social distancing guidelines. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Christwood Foundation or to a charity of your choice. Please Share a Memory on the Tribute Wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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