Serena Williams Miles' Obituary
Serena Williams Miles, 76, died Sunday, August 25, 2024, in the comfort of her home and surrounded by her devoted family.
Serena was born October 26, 1947, in Raleigh, North Carolina, the daughter of June Barker Miles and Robert Mickle Miles IV. She grew up in Pinetown, PA. After graduating from Saint Margaret’s School in Virginia, Serena attended Dickenson College and ultimately attained a degree in English from Goucher College, where she proudly graduated with honors in English.
In 1971 she married Phillips Paul O’Shaughnessy (1947 – 2017) and after living in New York City for several years they moved to Sparks, Maryland where they raised two sons, Robert Miles O’Shaughnessy and William Abney O’Shaughnessy (1979 – 2021). Serena and Phil divorced in 1988 and in 1995 Serena relocated to Rehoboth Beach. In 2002, Serena met John (“Jack”) Stewart of Lewes, Delaware and the two formed a lasting, loving, and deeply devoted relationship.
Serena was an avid reader, a gardener, and a lover of travel (particularly to France or to see her son in California). She was proud of her heritage that goes back to the founding fathers. Serena enjoyed volunteering at All Saint’s Parish Thrift Shop.
She will be missed by her son, Robert of San Francisco and his husband, Keith Enders; her granddaughters, Lillian O’Shaughnessy and Chloe O’Shaughnessy of Scranton, PA; the granddaughters’ mother Kara Miele; her brother Douglas and her brother Stephen; and her devoted partner and companion, Captain Jack.
Special thanks go to accent Care Hospice and nurse Sarah Altvater. Thanks also to Mother Shelley McDade of All Saints’ Church, who performed last rites and was of great comfort to the family.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Serena’s memory with a donation to All Saints’ Church 18 Olive Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE.19971.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, September 5, 2024, at St. John's Western Run, 3738 Butler Rd., Glyndon, MD 21136.
A celebration of her life will be held locally in October.
Please visit Serena’s Life memorial at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com .
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