Anna Lawana Miles

Anna Lawana Meacham Miles, 83, of Las Vegas, Nevada, formerly of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on February 19, 2011. Lawana was the eighth of fourteen children born to Rossie Belle Rodgers Meacham and Charles Monroe Meacham. She was born November 25, 1927 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and was reared in Cave City, Arkansas and Manila, Arkansas. Lawana graduated from Manila (AR) High School in 1948, moved to Newport, Arkansas, and married Vernon "Little Red" Miles on Mother's Day, May 14, 1950 in Searcy, Arkansas. Her parents, her husband, a daughter, Ann Marie Miles, and 11 of her 13 siblings preceded her in death. She is survived by a son, Joe Miles and his wife, Kathryn, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, a daughter, Lana Miles Lee of Las Vegas, Nevada, four granddaughters, Evelyn Miles Wade and husband Nick of Magnolia, Arkansas, Emily Miles Richardson and husband Josh of Springdale, Arkansas, Elizabeth Miles of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Lynli Wilcox Carlin and husband Tony of Maumelle, Arkansas, three great-grandchildren, Claire Wade, Oliver Carlin, and Julian Carlin, and two sisters, Laura Hutton of Kennett, Missouri, and Patsy Fyles of Batesville, Arkansas, many loving nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. Lawana was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Newport, Arkansas, where she taught Sunday school, was a Circle leader, and a life member of United Methodist Women. She worked in retail sales and had her own business as a wedding and event planner operating under the most appropriate name of Lawana's Touch. She was past president of the Newport Service League. In addition, she was actively engaged with volunteer work in association with her church, the PTA, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Beta Sigma Phi, and the Jackson County Historical Society. Many experienced Lawana's "touch" and all who knew and loved her will sorely miss her presence. A memorial service in honor of Lawana's life will be held in Newport, Arkansas at a date to be determined. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 217 Laurel St., Newport, Arkansas 72112.