Ora Elva Miles

Ora Elva Miles was born June 1, 1928 in Hanover County to the late George W. Anderson and Ellen Anderson Howell. She was the youngest of seven daughters from this union.At an early age,Ora became a devout Christian at the New Chestnut Baptist Church in Mechanicsville,Virginia. She served faithfully on the program committee and missionary board along with other church auxiliaries. She was instrumental in organizing the Promise Anderson Memorial Choir and the Autumn Age Senior's Ministry. Her zest for life and unwavering love for her church will be missed.Ora was educated in the Hanover Public Schools and attended VanDeVyer Business School.In 1952,Ora combined her entrepreneurial ability and cooking skills and established Anderson's Grill with her sisters Arthalia and Bertha in historical Jackson Ward,the heart of commerce and entertainment for Richmond's black community.For 35 years,the prominent Second Street restaurant was a meeting place for friends and family. Many African-Americans celebrities visting the City of Richmond stopped in for the grill's mouth-watering soul food.On December 23, 1964,Ora was joined in holy matrimony to the late Sylvester Donald"Pip" Miles. Although there were no children from this union,the Miles cherished all youngsters who entered their home.Mrs. Miles tremendously enjoyed the fellowship she had with family and friends. Her home was always open,and she took great pleasure in being a wonderful and welcoming hostess. She possessed a genuine concern for people,so much so to extend her home to sick loved ones and became their caregiver.She won love and respect from everyone who knew her.Mrs. Miles is survived by step-daughters Patricia Alexander and Mertha Christian;step-son,Norris Harris,and a host of grandchildren.She leaves a legacy of love to her sisters,Estelle Fox,Arthalia Allen,Sallie Ballard and Eulalia "Porter" Bobbitt. Ora was preceded in death by her sisters Bertha Wingfield and Callie Carter.Her presence will be missed by her nieces Henrietta Gattison(Rev. Bobby L.),Ellen Jefferson,Vivian Reynolds,Delores Ballard,Myrtle Wright(Paul),Phyllis Coleman(Oliver),her nephews;Hosea Fox(Beverly)Clarence Ballard Jr.(Kathleen)and Rev. Alphonso Miles of Oakland,Ca.,along with a host of great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews/Ora also leaves two God-Children,Tracy Edwards and Travis Wright,as well as her beloved cousin Ophelia Lewis.Devoted friends Deborah Williams,Henry and Carolyn Chavis,Mary Lewis,Mae Taylor,Juanita Garnett and Rev. C. Lewis Motley will also mourn her passing.

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Ora Elva Miles

June 1, 1928 - February 18, 2009