Flora Bell Thomas Miles

Flora Bell Thomas Miles, “Honey,” passed away on July 17, 2026, in Statesboro, Georgia, at the age of 92. She was born on June 17, 1934, in Millen, Georgia, to the late Fannie Mae Wiggs Thomas and John Henry Thomas.

She attended Cumberland County College in New Jersey, where she obtained her Social Work degree. She worked at the Owens-Illinois factory for many years. She then worked in the school system and later became a social worker for the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF). She was a special home provider for medically fragile children, caring for over 100 children during her tenure.

In her earlier years in New Jersey, she attended Bridgeton Church of God under the leadership of Elder Black. She then attended Deptford Church of God under the leadership of Pastor Joseph Broughton and later went to Hopewell Church of God under the leadership of her grandson, Pastor Bishop Aaron Parrish. Later in life, Flora returned to her home state of Georgia, where she attended Williams Grove Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Superintendent Kenneth H. Thomas.

Flora Bell Thomas Miles was very active in ministry. She was an Evangelist, a Sunday School teacher, and an usher.

She was also known for her great cooking, especially her potato soup, or “po’ man’s soup,” and her ribs. She enjoyed hosting big Sunday dinners for her family.

Flora Bell Thomas Miles was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was known for her strength, her faith in God, and her abundant generosity.

Flora Bell Thomas Miles was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Miles; her son, Joseph Parrish, Jr.; her parents, Fannie Mae Wiggs Thomas and John Henry Thomas; her brothers, Hosea Thomas, Norman Thomas, and Earl Thomas; her sisters, Marie Thomas Bowman, Julia Thomas Jackson, and Johnnie Mae Thomas Florence; and her special brother, Thomas Anderson, Sr.

She is survived by her loving children, Veronica Hannah, Carolyn Parrish, Susan Marcado, Marita Miles, Jovan Miles, and Emmanuel Miles.

Seven grandchildren: Bishop Aaron (Narina) Parrish, David Parrish, James (Amber) Parrish, and Anthony Massey; Anastasia (Gene) Hannah-Still, Amber (Justin) Coursey, Melyna Hannah, and Christia Parrish; 18 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

She leaves behind her brothers, Emerson Thomas, Rev. Dr. James (Burnestine) E. Thomas, Superintendent Kenneth (Susie) H. Thomas, and Rev. Michael (Elizabeth) A. Thomas, Sr., LaStarza Thomas, Sr., and Rodagus Thomas, Sr.; her sister, Brinnie Thomas Lewis; her goddaughter, Keva Holmes; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Flora Bell Thomas Miles’ favorite song was “I Am Free, Praise the Lord I Am Free...”

Public Viewing will be held Friday, July 24, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the funeral home.

Family visitation for Ms. Miles will be on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

The Funeral Services for Ms. Miles will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Williams Grove Church of God in Christ, 4703 Hwy 25 S, Millen, GA 30442.

Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

Please keep the family of Ms. Flora Bell Miles in your thoughts and prayers during their time of bereavement.

Matthew H. Lovett & Son's Funeral Home, LLC is in charge of final arrangements.

Family and friends may sign the online register book, express online condolences, send flowers or other memorial gifts via our website.