On November 3, 1948, Arlene Miles was the fourth child born to her proud parents Orlando and Hazel Simmons. Raised in Chicago, IL, Arlene was known and described by her family and friends as a kind, sweet, caring person who led and enjoyed her life according to her terms. A proud "West Side" girl, Arlene graduated from Crane High School in 1963 and graduated a year later from Cook County School of Medicine to become a lab technician and phlebotomist. Hired at Michael Reese Hospital, she worked doing what she loved for 32 years while acquiring life-long friends known as her work family. In 1996, Arlene retired from the hospital to later begin working part-time at a doctor's office assisting Dr. Neil for an additional 18 years.
Her commitment to health and people extended well beyond hospital and doctors' doors, Arlene was compassionate and a loving woman. She enjoyed listening and talking to people, notably with her granddaughter (Niya) who she would fondly call "Miss Ann." In her spare time, you would find her in the kitchen styling someone's hair. Yes, Arlene was a kitchen beautician. This is where she would have endless conversations, laughs and fun, which are now cherished and happy memories. Additionally, she was an avid reader of romance and mystery novels and dabbled in trying to learn how to play the keyboard gifted to her by her husband.
Arlene married her husband Thomas (Joseph) Miles, Jr. on May 20th, 1972. Together they shared three daughters Dr. Alanna Bowie, Marquetta (Miles) Henderson, Josette Miles, and one son, Glenn Miles. A devout Catholic, Arlene believed in attending church, caring for her family and keeping an orderly home. Her grace and kindness extended to her friends and many countless people.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Orlando and Hazel (Fuller) Simmons; sister Hazel (Simmons) Dollars, and brother Ronald Simmons.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 52 years, Thomas J. Miles, Jr., daughters Dr. Alanna (Miles) Bowie, Marquetta (Miles) Henderson, and Josette Miles, son Glenn Miles; sister, Jeanette (Simmons) Valerie; brother, John Simmons: 6 grandchildren; as well as host of family members and friends.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM. The funeral service will follow at 6:00 PM in the Rosehaven Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's location at https://act.alz.org
If ordering a floral tribute, please contact our preferred florist for guaranteed service: Frances Florist, 12641 Veterans Memorial Highway Douglasville, GA, (770) 949-8711 or online at https://www.francesflorist.net
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitleygarner.com for the Miles family.
Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven is honored to be entrusted with the services of Mrs. Arlene Miles.
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