The day of Molly Miles’ 95th birthday celebration dawned gray and drizzly. However, weather conditions couldn’t stop Molly’s radiance as she greeted her family and friends who had come to pay tribute to her on Sunday, January 29, 2023. The parish hall at Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church was a lovely place for the party with Molly, glowing in turquoise, as the centerpiece. Wherever Molly goes, light prevails because she projects, as steadfastly as ever, her belief in people and her faith.
Molly’s daughter Amy Young, who lives in southwest Michigan, had wonderful help in Roberta Miles, a dear friend, in planning the festivities. Too, the kitchen committee of the church’s Women of the Church pitched in with support along with Dr. Laura Witherspoon, who volunteered for clean-up duty. Amy’s son Andrew and daughter Janis, along with Janis’ significant other, Anthony Tibbitts-Warren, were also on hand to help. In addition to his support role, Anthony, a marvelous tenor, sang “I’ll Walk with God,” hitting the high notes with aplomb. He was accompanied by church organist Philip Newton, who by the way, was observing his last day as director of music before his retirement.
Guests enjoyed coffee and delicious birthday cake after a rousing “Happy Birthday to You” was sung by all in attendance, complete with multi-part harmony. Two huge sheet cakes from Publix bakery were a chocolate cake with fudge frosting and a white cake with raspberry filling and buttercream frosting. The white cake was decorated with bright blue (Molly’s signature color) chrysanthemums. The magnificent floral arrangement was serving a dual purpose, as it would be used later in the day for Philip Newton’s retirement party. Additionally, there was a beautiful arrangement of red and white roses, blue hydrangeas, and gladiolas sent by Molly’s cousins Nancy Harner Baukema and her husband Paul. Even though Nancy and Paul live far away, they come to visit Molly often. Nancy’s brother David keeps in close touch as well.
Along with church members, friends, and family, several notables from Molly’s many ventures were present, including Bob Willie, the former executive director of the Chattanooga Ballet; Ron Starnes, former director of the Chattanooga Boys’ Choir; and Susan DiStephano, executive director of the Hosanna Community, were present to honor Molly.
For readers who don’t know the extent of Molly’s contributions to the betterment of our world, both through her activism for the arts and work for humanity, read on.
Wanting a classic ballet school in Chattanooga, she was one of the pioneers of the Chattanooga Ballet over 48 years ago, and up until recently, attended every performance. In addition, Molly taught music and drama in the Signal Mountain schools for over 25 years, producing extravagant musical comedies and dramas, for kindergartners through sixth-graders. She also taught with the Chattanooga Boys’ Choir, under Everett O’Neal, for years. She directed plays for the Signal Mountain Playhouse, “Cinderella” being a favorite. She served on the board of Bessie Smith Hall and on the vestry at Saint Timothy’s. For these efforts, Molly recruited many talented volunteers who were drawn in by her charisma and talent. If Molly asked someone to do a job - write a play, choreograph, sew costumes - that person was thrilled to be asked and got on the job immediately.
Thirty-one years ago, Molly and her friend Catherine Brown established the Hosanna Community, a residence on Grubb Road in Hixson for people with physical disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. Through the support of Saint Timothy’s, other Episcopal churches in our area, the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee, plus the national Episcopal Church, Molly and Susan forged ahead, adding the help of the Benwood Foundation, the Chrysalis Foundation, Provident Insurance (now Unum), the Siskin organization, and churches of all denominations. Private donations from the public come in monthly as well, and the Chattanooga Housing Authority helps in emergencies. Hosanna Community, “the House that Molly Built,” is a vibrant and loving place to live for its 20 residents.
As was evident to all at her 95th birthday celebration, Molly’s magnetism remains as she charmed her guests with her warmth and beauty - lovely qualities that through her life have been undergirded by a vision of a better world and the ability to get things done. Reflecting on the love expressed for Molly at the party and in her life, her daughter Amy said, “It’s so heartwarming for me how people take care of Mom.”
Happy 95th birthday to Molly Miles, a beloved presence in our lives.
by Anne Rittenberry
Molly’s daughter Amy Young, who lives in southwest Michigan, had wonderful help in Roberta Miles, a dear friend, in planning the festivities. Too, the kitchen committee of the church’s Women of the Church pitched in with support along with Dr. Laura Witherspoon, who volunteered for clean-up duty. Amy’s son Andrew and daughter Janis, along with Janis’ significant other, Anthony Tibbitts-Warren, were also on hand to help. In addition to his support role, Anthony, a marvelous tenor, sang “I’ll Walk with God,” hitting the high notes with aplomb. He was accompanied by church organist Philip Newton, who by the way, was observing his last day as director of music before his retirement.
Guests enjoyed coffee and delicious birthday cake after a rousing “Happy Birthday to You” was sung by all in attendance, complete with multi-part harmony. Two huge sheet cakes from Publix bakery were a chocolate cake with fudge frosting and a white cake with raspberry filling and buttercream frosting. The white cake was decorated with bright blue (Molly’s signature color) chrysanthemums. The magnificent floral arrangement was serving a dual purpose, as it would be used later in the day for Philip Newton’s retirement party. Additionally, there was a beautiful arrangement of red and white roses, blue hydrangeas, and gladiolas sent by Molly’s cousins Nancy Harner Baukema and her husband Paul. Even though Nancy and Paul live far away, they come to visit Molly often. Nancy’s brother David keeps in close touch as well.
Along with church members, friends, and family, several notables from Molly’s many ventures were present, including Bob Willie, the former executive director of the Chattanooga Ballet; Ron Starnes, former director of the Chattanooga Boys’ Choir; and Susan DiStephano, executive director of the Hosanna Community, were present to honor Molly.
For readers who don’t know the extent of Molly’s contributions to the betterment of our world, both through her activism for the arts and work for humanity, read on.
Wanting a classic ballet school in Chattanooga, she was one of the pioneers of the Chattanooga Ballet over 48 years ago, and up until recently, attended every performance. In addition, Molly taught music and drama in the Signal Mountain schools for over 25 years, producing extravagant musical comedies and dramas, for kindergartners through sixth-graders. She also taught with the Chattanooga Boys’ Choir, under Everett O’Neal, for years. She directed plays for the Signal Mountain Playhouse, “Cinderella” being a favorite. She served on the board of Bessie Smith Hall and on the vestry at Saint Timothy’s. For these efforts, Molly recruited many talented volunteers who were drawn in by her charisma and talent. If Molly asked someone to do a job - write a play, choreograph, sew costumes - that person was thrilled to be asked and got on the job immediately.
Thirty-one years ago, Molly and her friend Catherine Brown established the Hosanna Community, a residence on Grubb Road in Hixson for people with physical disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. Through the support of Saint Timothy’s, other Episcopal churches in our area, the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee, plus the national Episcopal Church, Molly and Susan forged ahead, adding the help of the Benwood Foundation, the Chrysalis Foundation, Provident Insurance (now Unum), the Siskin organization, and churches of all denominations. Private donations from the public come in monthly as well, and the Chattanooga Housing Authority helps in emergencies. Hosanna Community, “the House that Molly Built,” is a vibrant and loving place to live for its 20 residents.
As was evident to all at her 95th birthday celebration, Molly’s magnetism remains as she charmed her guests with her warmth and beauty - lovely qualities that through her life have been undergirded by a vision of a better world and the ability to get things done. Reflecting on the love expressed for Molly at the party and in her life, her daughter Amy said, “It’s so heartwarming for me how people take care of Mom.”
Happy 95th birthday to Molly Miles, a beloved presence in our lives.
by Anne Rittenberry
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