To the Miles Family.  I knew Barbara as a Beta Sigma Phi sister many years ago.  She was always a lovely example of what it meant to be a part of that sisterhood.   My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.

Our thoughts are with you- the Sisters of Preceptor Gamma Psi-Manassas, Va.

As Barbara's daughter in law for over 24 years, it comes as no shock that as in any mother in law/daughter in law relationship that endured over 2 decades- we occasionally didn't see eye to eye.  She and I are headstrong, independent and yes stubborn and we both admired one another for those same qualities.  However when it came to family-we were in complete sync- we were fierce about the love and protection of our family.  So it is with the deepest love and respect that I now honor Barbara's life and family.  You will be greatly missed. 

Barbara was born in Madison County, Ohio on December 4, 1935. She has 2 sisters who still live in Madison County, Betty and her two grown children and one grandchild, Rob and Annette and Annette's son Jarrell.  Edna also has two grown children Amy and Terry.  Terry and his wife Kerry have 2 children Jessica and Jonathan.  Amy who now lives in Maryland and is engaged to be married to Holly in the fall.  Barbara wanted very much to attend their celebration, but please know she will be there in spirit.   She was preceded in death by both of her parents- Edgar Moore Burwell and Dorothy Grace Long Burwell.  Her father was a farmer in Madison County and lived well into his 90's. 

She moved to New York after high school with friends, and there on a double date met Donald Miles.  They fell in love and were soon married.   Donald accepted a position with the federal government and they moved to Virginia.

 Barbara and Donald have 3 sons-   Robert H. born 1961, John E. born 1964, and Daniel H. born 1969.   Donald suffered from juvenile diabetes type 1 and passed away at the young age of 40, leaving Barbara to raise 3 headstrong boys on her own.  She never wavered in her commitment to her sons and provided for them by taking on several part time jobs including Avon, her son's school, and finally settling into a full time career with the Fair Oaks Hospital's lab department where she enjoyed over 30 years of employment.  She retired not once but twice from the hospital.  

To keep her boys active while growing up she sought out different programs. She enrolled all 3 of her sons in the Northern Virginia Patriots, a colonial fife and drum core and worked tirelessly as a drum mother/chaperone while performing in parades in Disney, California, and annually at the Washington DC Cherry Blossom Parade. 
 
She was an avid history buff and had memberships in many genealogical societies: Eliza
Monroe Chapter USD 1812, Genesee DAR Chapter, Michigan Society Daughters of Indian
Wars, an organizing member of the Katherine Elithorpe Miles Colony, New England Women, Colonel Dames of the XVII Century, Lt. Edward Carrington Chapter Daughters of the Union and the Jamestown Society. 

She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for over 60 years. 

She loved to travel and visited London with her niece Amy, Italy with lifetime friends, and Scotland to visit friends.  Her son Dan and Michele took her on a wonderful vacation to attend the Country Music Awards in Nashville Tennessee.  Not to mention the several states she visited with family and friends to include Colorado with Bob- her eldest son, California, Missouri, Michigan, New York and even Hawaii.

Barbara was also a grandmother, to our 3 children.   Zachary born in 1994, Nicholas in 1999, and Lindsay in 2002.  She attended all of their births and was a central person in all of their lives.   She taught them about history and took them to several museums throughout Virginia and Washington DC.   She traveled to Disney with John, myself and the kids, and took a cruise with us to the Caribbean.  Her love of history and travel was infectious, so was her love of sports.   She made it a point to attend several parks and rec. games each season of each sport for her grandchildren over the last 16 years.  She sat through baseball games that lasted 2 hours with only 2 innings. Soccer games which looked more like herds of little animals chasing the ball than an organized sport.  She endured snow storms to attend basketball games for all 3 of her grandchildren and heat waves to watch their baseball and softball playoffs. I really enjoyed our talks while the games were going on, I will surely miss those moments. 

  She loved her grandchildren as life itself and they will have wonderful memories of her to pass on to their children.  John and I are forever grateful to her for the special relationship she had with them- and will forever be remembered as Grandma B.

Cheri Miles
Daughter in law

Even though we had not seen each other for so long your part of my wonderful memories. God has a great angel now. You will be missed

Barbara, we've known each other for decades and what a blessing you have been in my life.  The accolades on the difference you made in the lives of so many will continue.  You epitomized what it means to be a Beta Sigma Phi sister.  And close to the end, you made it a priority for each of your chapter members to receive the Torch Bearer Ritual.  You set the bar high and your presence will continue to be felt.  I am so grateful to have been able to celebrate your 78th surprise birthday party with family and friends.  You are now pain free  - what a blessing!

Barbara I will miss you terribly and I will cherish the memories. We had lots of laughs together. You had an infectious smile and I never heard you say a bad thing about anyone. I never met anyone who just loved to be around people and enjoy everyone's company. All you wanted from anyone is just to spend time with them. I consider you my mother-in-law and friend. You had a way of always making me feel special and loved which brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart. I always enjoyed spending time with you even if it was just silly phone conversations about nothing really, but you always had a story to tell and your social schedule was so full I could never keep up with you. We always laughed and from day one you welcomed me into your home with open arms and let me live with you for a bit. I tell everyone that story and I am very thankful for that. Even though you never met my family, I feel like you have. You always asked about them. Wanted to know what my brother was up to these days or asking about my parents. Barbara we spent a lot of time together over the past few months and I would not have changed that for anything. It was challenging and tough and I still can't believe that you would call me to make sure I was doing ok, when in fact you were the one not feeling well. I told you than and I will say it now, "you are a silly goose Barbara and yes I know where your chapstick is!" I was proud and happy to spend time with you, you tested my patience and showed me what true love and compassion is all about. We shared a laugh until the end. Whenever I see a butterfly, I will fondly think of you, smile and know that you are "just checking in on me". I love you Barbara......sweet dreams!

Barbara was my friend from 2nd grade and through high school graduation.  We shared an apartment at one time and took a wonderful trip to Italy together. I shall miss her so much and want the family to know how deeply I grieve with them.

Barbara was a wonderful friend and a wonderful Beta Sigma Phi. We became friends in sorority and then she transferred into the Eliza Monroe Chapter of 1812 and we became sisters in the Lineage Community. She will be missed by many. My Best to the family.

Barbara, a friend and a sorority sister who will be missed by many.  Her love of sorority was contagious and my main reason for staying connected.  My condolences to her family and to all those whom she touched in one way or another.      Debbie Sammler, Chantilly, VA

Barbara, a friend and a sorority sister who will be missed by many.  Her love of sorority was contagious and my main reason for staying connected.  My condolences to her family and to all those whom she touched in one way or another.

We have lost a dear friend. She will be missed by many.  My condolences to her family.

The John Witt Chapter, Colonial Dames XVIIC, will miss Barbara and her enthusiasm for history/genealogy and the organization.

Barbara will be greatly missed in our NSD1812 Chapter.  She would have been President this term if she had not become ill and I was looking forward to working with her.  She was a wonderful lady.

Barbara was always smiling and upbeat - a room was brighter when she was there and somehow meetings always more productive in her presence.

Lynne Schulman, her friend in Jamestowne and USD 1812

Bob, John, Dan and all of your families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the loss of Barbara. She always was traveling places and loved living life to the fullest. She will be missed. God Bless you all.

We are so very sorry.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  May you find comfort in many memories of good times and Barbara's love for life, her family and her friends.

our thoughts are with you, Bob, John & Danfrom Adrienne, Doug, Rita & Colin Harding...

OBITUARY

Barbara Jean Miles

December 4, 1935 – May 24, 2015

Demaine Funeral Home – Fairfax

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