Pastor Willie Miles Obituary
A Time to be Born... Pastor Willie James Miles was born October 6, 1951, to the union of the late Willie and Bertha Miles in Pioneer, Louisiana.  As the oldest son and third oldest of eleven children, he was destined to become a spiritual rock and leader for his family.

A Time Plant... At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at Mt. Zion Church in Pioneer, Louisiana, and was baptized with a zeal to learn. Soon after, he began teaching Sunday School and he was entrusted with the church keys.

A Time Work... Shortly after high school, Pastor Miles moved from Louisiana to Illinois, where he worked for Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere. He became involved in the weekly Bible study group, sharing his love for Christ. He also enjoyed coaching and playing baseball for the Chrysler men's team.  After 30 years, God blessed Willie to retire in a well-deserved celebration with family and friends.

A Time Love... Pastor Miles married his soulmate; Cecelia (Dainty) Miles, the love of his life, who he affectionally called "sweet cake, sugar dumpling, ice cream," and they became one on October 19, 1971. To this union was born two beautiful children, son Timothy Miles and daughter Shelby (Miles) Clayton.  He enjoyed family time, taking his family on many memorable road trips and showering them with his love and gifts.

A Time to Grow... Pastor Miles continued his education at Rock Valley College.  He joined and became an active member at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church where he passionately served as a Sunday school teacher, VBS teacher, and a supporter and teacher for the seniors' ministry.  In 1984, he accepted his calling into the ministry and became an Associate Minister under Dr. Clayborn Salter.  Pastor Miles was allowed to use his God-given gifts to preach and disciple; additionally, in 1984, he received his Certificate of Licenses to preach.  In 1990, he continued his Christian education and received his degree in Theology at Chicago Baptist Institute. In 1994, he received his Certificate of Ordination.

A Time to Blossom... In 1988, he and Cecelia were led by God to open the Shoe Gallery and Boutique in downtown Rockford and were proud entrepreneurs for 20+ years using their business as a ministry for customers who often stopped in for encouragement and prayer.  They served their community with quality, class, and pizzazz leaving a legacy for those to follow.

A Time to Serve... Directed by God and with a heart to serve, Rev. Willie became the Pastor of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church where he served for 21+ years.  His dedication and humility to serve the flock of God caused many to receive Christ as their personal Savior.  He was a listener, always taking the opportunity to teach, counsel, and quote one of his favorite scriptures; Proverbs 3: 5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."   As a faithful bondservant, he loved God's people and preached the Gospel of Christ, emphasizing salvation, God's love, and forgiveness.

For over 10 years, he served as treasurer for Rockford and Vicinity Baptist District Association, was an instructor in the Congress of Christian Education, and was actively involved on the state and national levels.

Following God's direction, Willie and Cecelia moved to Texas to enjoy full retirement and spend time with their two children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed having daily devotions with his wife, studying God's word, and eating the scrumptious meals and desserts that she prepared.

Shortly after their move to Texas, Pastor Miles and Cecelia joined NDCBF where they were active in the marriage ministry and Bible study.

A Time to Celebrate... On May 21, 2024, surrounded by family at his home, the Lord said "Well Done" and called his servant home. His love, memory, and legacy will always be cherished by his faithful and devoted wife, Cecelia Miles; his son, Timothy Miles; his daughter, Shelby Clayton (Elliott); his seven grandchildren - Kirizma (Jonathan), Martecia, Brianna, Timiyah, Amari, Kyah, and Myrikal; his great-grandchildren, Myles, and Paisley; his five siblings - Diane Browning (Ronnie), Cathey Miles, Randy Miles (Satrina), and Carolyn Miles; his six sisters-in-law and special sister-in-law, Pamela Pickett, who he fondly referred to as "Sister P"; his three brothers-in-law; numerous nephews, nieces, and godchildren; and countless cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Willie and Bertha Miles; sisters - Joyce Neal, Peggy Jackson, Doris Miles, and Dorothy Miles; and brothers, Marshall and Jeffrey Miles.