Grand Rapids Black Community Loses Strong Voice, Champion For Affordable Housing
When all of the children were in school, Katherine re - entered the workforce full - time. She served as Director of Housing at The Grand Rapids Urban League (GRUL) under the leadership of Paul I. Phillips, John Hall and Dr. Walter Brame.
Katherine Barbara Mapp Miles, 92, of Grand Rapids MI, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on May 1, 2020.
Katherine was born in Miami, Florida where she excelled in sports and academics. She learned early on the value of hard work and community service. She attended Dillard University in New Orleans on a full scholarship She married her best friend and in 1950, they moved to Michigan following her late husband's retirement from active duty from the United States Air Force.
It was in Michigan that they had their four children; two sons, Dana Warren and Quentin Lance and two daughters Lesley (Miles) Wilson and Robbin (Miles) Floyd. When all of the children were in school, Katherine re - entered the workforce full - time. She served as Director of Housing at The Grand Rapids Urban League (GRUL) under the leadership of Paul I. Phillips, John Hall and Dr. Walter Brame.
She resigned from the Grand Rapids Urban League to accept a position at the local office of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Develop (HUD). A champion of fair housing, education, and judiciary system in Grand Rapids, Mrs. Miles created and was instrumental the development of the Whitney Young Village housing that still houses low income families in Kentwood, Michigan.
Among her hobbies, she was known for her love of fishing, reading, traveling with her husband, socializing with friends and spending time at their lake property in Woodland Park, MI.
In addition to her four children, she is survived by her seven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren, a brother - in - law; Frankie Miles of Tracy California; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great aunt and dear friends.
Mrs. Miles was preceded in death by her husband Floyd W. Miles Jr., her parents Robert and Nancy Mapp and her brother David Sheppard all of Miami, FL.
A private family graveside service was held at Graceland Memorial Gardens in Cascade, MI with the Reverend Charles Hudson officiating.
A memorial service is planned for later this year.
Contributions in memory of Katherine B. Miles may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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