MARY MYLES

CHARLESTON -- Mary "MJ" Myles, 71, of Charleston died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 1996, at her home.

She was born June 17, 1925, in Charleston, daughter of H. and Freddie Whitmore Howard. She and Henry Myles were married Nov. 15, 1964. He died Sept. 21, 1990.

Myles had been a cook at Charleston Schools more than 21 years, retiring in 1995 because of her health. She was a member of St. Matthew's Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Beatrice Bell of Kalamazoo, Mich., Shirley Powell of Charleston; four stepdaughters, Aretha Robinson of East Prairie, Murphy Palmer and Flemmie Butler of East St. Louis, Ill., Clora Williams of Gary, Ind.; a stepson, Earnest Myles of West Memphis, Ark.; two sisters, Velma Williams and Mildred Coleman of Bloomington, Ill.; 44 grandchildren, including Kassandra Kimble of Charleston whom she raised; 90 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.

Friends may call at Sparks Funeral Home from 7-8 p.m. Friday.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Matthew's Church, with the Rev. Toby Carlos officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery.