Mr. Shawn Darryl Miles

We gather here today to celebrate the life of Shawn Darryl Miles– a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, a cherished friend, an electrician by trade, and someone whose presence could light up any room, even if he wasn’t always there in person. Shawn was a man of many layers, each one unique, each one cherished by those who knew him best. His story, like all of ours, was a mixture of highs and lows, but he filled it with music, laughter, and love in his own way. Born on Monday, January 13, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan, Shawn Darryl Miles was the beloved child of Gladys Evelyn Miles, and raised by Rosa Lee and Ernest L. Shadricks, who nurtured in him the values of hard work and resilience. From a young age, Shawn “Shotgun” had a natural curiosity and zest for sports particularly basketball, swimming and running. He graduated Northern High School in 1982, and with an unwavering dedication to education, Shawn went on to pursue his skilled trade through the Local 58 Apprenticeship. Shawn Miles was an accomplished electrician known by colleagues and clients alike for his remarkable ability to solve even the most complex electrical problems with precision and expertise. He took immense pride in his work, knowing that each job brought safety and comfort to countless families and businesses. Music was a constant in Shawn's life. He played the trumpet as a young adult. His favorite tunes had a way of expressing what he sometimes found hard to say out loud. Music was his language, his solace, and his way of staying connected to the world and those he loved. And if you were lucky enough to be around him when his favorite house song played, you’d see a spark in him, a reminder of the vibrancy he held within. Shawn also had a passion for cooking, and there was no place he loved more than his kitchen. Family gatherings were always filled with the aromas of his favorite dishes like oxtail soup, which he prepared with care and devotion using every dish in the kitchen with no goal of cleaning them afterward. Of course, we can’t forget his sense of humor. Shawn was also a gifted storyteller and jokester known for his quick wit and infectious laughter. Miles loved to tell a joke, sometimes at the most unexpected moments, and it was impossible not to laugh along. He had a way of turning any gathering into a joyful event, always ready with a joke or a clever remark to bring a smile to everyone’s face. His humor was his gift to us, a reminder not to take life too seriously and to find light even when things seemed dark. As Shawn grew, so did his family tree. He married Tahzylnn Miles and together they created a home, welcoming children Shawn, Saliah, Michelle, Brittany, and grandchildren Payton, Traviontay, Julian, Raven, Miles, Tyreek, Sloan, and Tahzlynn. Beyond his career, Shawn's true pride and joy were his four children and eight grandchildren. He cherished every moment spent with them, sharing his passions, teaching valuable life skills, and offering love and guidance. Despite the twists and turns life presented, Shawn held each of them close to his heart and kept them in his thoughts, cherishing every opportunity to show his love and support when he could. In his own way, Shawn taught us about love and life. He wasn’t perfect, but he was real. He showed us that love is sometimes complex, that connections can be felt even from a distance, and that sometimes, just being ourselves – flaws and all – is the best we can offer. Shawn is survived by his four children, Shawn Darryl Miles II, Saliah Miles Hunter (Spencer), Michelle Ware (John), and Brittany Miles; his eight grandchildren, Payton, Traviontay, Julian, Raven, Miles, Tyreek, Sloan and Tahzlynn; siblings Delphine, Victor, Francine, Lee, Anthony (Salone), Princess, many family members and friends, who became his second family. He is predeceased by Gladys Evelyn Miles (mother) and Shirley Shadricks (sister). As we say goodbye, let’s remember Shawn Darryl Miles for the laughter, the music, and the nutritious meals. Let’s hold onto the lessons he shared, both in his presence and in his absence, and keep his spirit alive in the stories and memories we carry forward. May you find peace, and may your legacy live on in all of us.

Mr. Shawn Darryl Miles

January 13, 1964 - October 28, 2024