Carole Ann Miles, age 85, of Wilmington, Delaware, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, after many years of Parkinsons disease.
Carole was born on March 19, 1941, and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Throughout her life music, faith, and family were interwoven in every aspect of her journey. The love of music was established at an early age, as each member of her family were skilled musicians. She was classically trained in piano, music theory, and composition at the esteemed Peabody Conservatory of Music. Highlights of Carol’s musical career included: accompanist for the Minika Opera Company, DSMA Teacher of the Year (Piano, Music Theory & Composition); Teacher and Theory Dept. Chair at Wilmington Music School (now known as The Music School of Delaware.) Teaching students and inspiring their creativity was one of the greatest joys during Carole’s tenure at the music school. In May 2025, local musicians gathered to honor Carole’s musical gift by presenting a concert that showcased some of her original classical compositions. Carole commented that hearing some of her songs played as originally composed was a delight beyond words.
Carol’s faith was expressed through acts of service and composing many worship songs. Serving in the church combined the two most powerful influences in her life – Christian faith and music. Carol had an enduring faith that brought her through many seasons in her life. It also gave her a renewed purpose while studying the Bible, graduating from Bible school, and sharing Biblical truths in the local church. She also attended the church services provided at Gilpin Hall and thoroughly enjoyed the sermons by “Rev. Hollis.”
Carol loved her family and did her best to provide a good home through difficult circumstances. She was so proud to introduce her family to Gilpin staff/nurses and display family pictures on her wall. Carol did not have much in material wealth, but she had a generous spirit that loved to give what she had available and send cards to brighten a person’s day or celebrate a special occasion. In the spirit of generosity, Carol donated her body to medical research with the hope of helping future patients of chronic illnesses.
Carol is preceded by her parents, John and Bessie (Leybold) Deck; stepfather, Philip Mitchell; brother, Charles F. Deck; and daughter, Vicki L. Russell. She is survived by her remaining children: Ed Miles (Debbie) of Garnett Valley, PA; Cheryl Hampson of Claymont, DE; John Rusell of Newark, DE; and Nancy Petrucci (Paul) of Newark, DE. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 from 4 – 5 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 5 pm at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3701 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808.
The family is incredibly grateful for the loving and professional care Gilpin Hall provided to Carol Miles for ten years. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, we suggest a memorial donation in her honor to Gilpin Hall:
Website: gilpinhall.org
Mail: Gilpin Hall 1101 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806
