Serena Williams Miles, loved to travel
Serena Williams Miles, 76, died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, in the comfort of her home and surrounded by her devoted family.
Serena was born Oct. 26, 1947, in Raleigh, N.C., 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 Dickinson College. She 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, Md., 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, and the two formed a lasting, loving, and deeply devoted relationship.
Serena was an avid reader, a gardener, and a travel lover (particularly to France or to see her son in California). She was proud of her heritage, which goes back to the founding fathers. Serena enjoyed volunteering at All Saints’ 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 brothers, Douglas and Stephen; and her devoted partner and companion, Captain Jack.
Special thanks go to AccentCare Hospice and nurse Sarah Altvater. Thanks also to Mother Shelley McDade of All Saints’ Church, who performed the last rites and comforted the family.
In lieu of flowers, 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 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 5, at St. John’s, 3738 Butler Road, Glyndon, Md.
Visit Serena’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
