Barbara Lee Miles

Barbara Lee Miles lived in various places throughout her life. She was raised in the small town of Oxford, New York, where she enjoyed her childhood on her family's self-sustaining farm. However, after her father fell ill, her mother sold the farm and moved the family to the town of Oxford. The doctors at the Methodist Hospital in New York City helped her father recover from a near-death illness, allowing him to return to his wife and children, where he took a job as the janitor at the local school. Helen, Barbara's mother, became the chef at the local inn to provide for Barbara and her siblings. These jobs allowed her parents to enjoy a comfortable retirement, during which Barbara would travel to their home in Florida during the winter and summer months.

After high school, Barbara moved to Florida to live with her brother, Jack. There, she loved spending weekends at the beach with her friends, enjoying drinks and, no doubt, chasing after boys. However, after some time in Florida, Barbara became homesick and missed her mother. Consequently, she packed her belongings and moved back to upstate New York. After overcoming her homesickness, Barbara relocated to Syracuse, New York, where she met Bill Curlette. They married and had two children, Robert and David. The family later moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia, for Bill's work.

After about 16 years of marriage, Barbara and Bill decided to divorce. Barbara moved just a short distance away from Bill, allowing their sons, Robert and David, to maintain a relationship with their father—a choice that was both admirable and respectful. The divorce was amicable, as Barbara and Bill were able to converse at family events and activities throughout their lives.

After her divorce, Barbara dated a few men and briefly married another man before ultimately moving to Florida to live in her youngest sister Carolyn's winter home in DeLand. While in Florida, Barbara met her life partner of over 20 years, Thomas Farrow. Thomas's job took them to State College, Pennsylvania, which thrilled Barbara because it was only three hours from her hometown and near her sister Carolyn. Barbara frequently visited Carolyn and Joan and was by their sides when they passed away—a memory she often shared, especially after losing her closest sister, Carolyn.

In 2015, Barbara moved back to Georgia to be closer to her youngest son and granddaughter, Emily Grace Curlette. Barbara and Tom settled in Tucker, where David lived at the time. Over the last decade of her life, Barbara found community, developed close friendships, and discovered ways to give back to Tucker. Her friends loved her laughter and lively spirit; she never showed stress or worry, only joy in life. Barbara organized celebrations and games for the over-50 adult community where she and Tom lived. Her children often heard from her about her three weekly activities: the card game Uno, the board game Sorry, and a dice game called Left-Right-Center. Barbara was a breath of fresh air, bringing humor and camaraderie to her fellow game-playing peers at the over-50 adult complex. In addition to these activities, Barbara enjoyed helping friends with dog and cat sitting on weekends and some weekdays.

Barbara lived a wonderful, fulfilling life filled with storytelling, helping others, and being available to support her two sons at any moment, whether it was on the phone or by visiting their homes. She was always a rock for both Robert and David, often reminding them, "It's the three of us, and we will always stick together. You are my boys." Barbara also loved watching action-packed movies each evening with her life partner, Tom, while enjoying ice cream or popcorn. She wasn't fond of drama movies, as noted by her grandson, Alexander William Curlette, after watching an action movie and a drama together. Barbara remarked, "That action movie is great; so much better than the other one." Her preference for action movies reflected her approach to life—filled with activities and a "get it done" attitude towards responsibilities.

Barbara will be deeply missed by many, including her life partner, Thomas Farrow; her sons, Robert and David; her daughters-in-law, Magdalena (Maggie) and Erin Curlette; her grandchildren, Alexander William Curlette and Emily Grace Curlette; and numerous cousins, nephews, friends, and neighbors. She brought life to every gathering and taught us to live well without taking life too seriously. This was evident in her passing, which was accompanied by a favorite song, "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffett. Barbara was smiling, and I’m sure she was singing along with us in her final moments on Earth. Now, she rests pain-free in her best body, among her parents, siblings, and friends in the afterlife.

Barbara Lee Miles was born on February 10, 1944, to Helen Mae Stafford and William (Bill) Joseph Miles. She was the sixth of their seven children. Barbara was the last surviving sibling among her brothers and sisters, who are listed from oldest to youngest as follows: Jack, Joyce, Ronald (Ron), Madeline (Mazie), Joan, Barbara, and Carolyn.

Barbara is survived by her two sons, Robert and David, their wives Magdalena (Maggie) and Erin as well as her two grandchildren: Alexander William Curlette, the oldest, and Emilly Grace Curlette, the youngest. Additionally, she is survived by her life partner of over 20 years, Thomas Farrow, and her former husband, William (Bill) Curlette, who is the father of her sons, Robert and David.

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Dear friends and family,

Barbara’s life-partner, Tom, just lost the love of his life. This loss is heartbreaking, and while Tom grieves, he is also facing the challenge of keeping up with everyday expenses like rent, food, and bills.

In lieu of flowers, we’re asking those who feel moved to help support Tom to contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in easing his financial burden so he can focus on healing.

If you’d like to contribute directly, you can send support via Venmo: @TomFarrow

Your kindness, love, and support mean more than words can express. Thank you for helping us lift Tom up during this incredibly hard time.

With gratitude,

David & Robert