It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Shirley Abbie Petty Miles, who left us on June 18, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. Born in Lenox, Georgia, on December 26, 1936, Shirley’s warmth and vibrant spirit will be profoundly missed.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Mason “Bill” Miles. She was a loving mother to her son, Randy Fender (Kathy), and her daughters, LaDonna Lively (Mark) and Ronda Dykes. She was the cherished “Oni” to her grandchildren: Kim, Kelly, Jesse, Nick, Lauren, Matt, and Katherine, and a proud great-grandmother to John, Anna, and Josie. She is also survived by her siblings, Gary Petty, Wade Hardin, Wanda McMath, and Jolain Luke.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles Glenn Petty and Maggie Dillard Petty Hardin, her brother, Charles Carson Petty, and her sister, Jean Carolyn Slusmeyer.
Shirley spent 25 years with Publix Supermarket before retiring, after which she pursued her passion for art by owning an art gallery and sharing her talents as a gifted artist. She was also an avid golfer who enjoyed playing courses across the country.
Above all, Shirley’s greatest love was her grandchildren. She adored them, and anyone who knew her was treated to loving stories and updates about their lives on a daily basis.
In accordance with her wishes, Shirley has been cremated. A celebration of her life will be held at: Angels Senior Living At The Reserves, Lutz, Florida on July 26th 11am – 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Shirley’s honor to a charity of your choice.
She will be remembered for her creativity, her spirited nature and joy in life’s adventures, and, above all, her boundless love for family.
9 Comments
Robin and Marc levine
She will be missed.
LaDonna
Thank you Robin & Marc
Barry Lively
Shirley always called me darlin. She had such a calming energy when I was in a room with her.
For some reason I always remember being with her in a kitchen or dining room and she would break the ice by asking a question in a calming funny way about my well being. Her southern charm was a gift we all got to experience handed down to her Loving Daughters.
She was a very humorous spirit in spite of the pain she was going thru. The Boys were her love and it was something to admire. To be the best Grandmother came easy to her and she wore that unapologetic love for them like a badge of honor.
That love will be passed on thru many generations.
The one and only ONI. Rest Peacefully and Lovingly
Kathleen Fender
I am so sorry for LaDonna, and Rhonda at the loss of your mother. No can ever replace her and the loved that she brought to each of your families. My thoughts and prayers are with you both and your families.
Sincerely; Kathy
Jeffery Fender
RIP aunt Shirley. Thoughts and prayers to all of the family. Thank you for all that banana pudding.
Bob Lively
Shirley, Doris and I had an increasingly friendly relationship over the years. Shirley and Doris often discussing the shows on TV and the grandkids. Shirley and more on God and religion. We will miss her. It is comforting to know where she is now.
Eileen Hay
I can’t express how I feel and I know the whole family are having a hard time also. I would work with Shirley at the church. Shirley would have me move a flower 1/4 of a inch sometimes just so it would be perfect I miss her. Love to all the family.
Carmel
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Your mother was a lady. May she Rest In Peace,
Carmel, John, Zara, and Orla
Anonymous
What a kind caring person your Mom was. Hers was a life well lived. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. We had that privilege when we moved to Stuart and were lucky to get to visit with her. Mike and I are so sorry for your loss. You have an angel watching over you!