MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2021 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Seymour, Barnett, Chism, DeBar, McLendon, Thompson, Williams, Jackson (32nd), Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY OF MAYOR JOEL TRAVIS MILES OF WIGGINS, MISSISSIPPI, AND REMEMBERING HIS LEGACY OF COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP.
WHEREAS, we join the family, friends and citizens of Wiggins, Mississippi, in mourning the loss of Mayor Joel Travis Miles who departed this life on December 13, 2020, following a battle with COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, businessman, husband, father, friend and public servant, Wiggins Mayor Joel Miles was known and loved by many in his various roles in life; and
WHEREAS, American flags flew at half staff throughout Wiggins on December 14, 2020, in honor of Mayor Joel Miles. Miles was more than just the Mayor of Wiggins, but a lifelong resident of Stone County and the co-owner of Hudson Farm Supply in Wiggins. It was a special characteristic that helped Miles serve as Mayor. He was a true member of the Wiggins community, a small town that grew to be an extension of Miles' family; and
WHEREAS, Joel Miles was elected mayor in 2013, with 75 percent of the vote. Since then, the city has seen a number of projects and developments completed, including a building which was unveiled in 2019 and has since housed the city's Police Department and City Court. Wiggins City Attorney Jenny Tyler Baker said, "We've lost a friend and a leader, and it's going to be tough for a lot of us. He wasn't Mayor to boost his own ego, he was Mayor because he loved the citizens. He loved the city. He wanted to do whatever he could to improve the city, and in turn the city loved him. His door was always open to anyone who wanted to come talk to him about a change in the city, or an idea they had to keep Wiggins growing and getting better day by day"; and
WHEREAS, Joel is preceded in death by his parents, Joe (Doc) and Toxie Miles; and brother, Jimmy Miles. He is survived by a big, beautiful blended family: his wife, Mary Elizabeth Maples Miles; sons, Jody (Janessa) Miles and Justin (Haley) Miles; bonus children: Tommy (Haleigh) Havard, Jarred (Haven) Havard and Madison Havard; grandchildren: Kyndall, Charleigh, Jackson, Aidan, Ansleigh, Henley, Gray and Ellie; brother, Russell (Sharon) Miles; nephews, Rusty Miles and Jeff (Pam) Miles; niece, Olivia (Mike) Zajac; a host of great-nephews and nieces, and a dear friend, Ida Mitchell; and
WHEREAS, Joel's happiness came from his family and his service to the City of Wiggins. Many people move away from home as they grow older, but Joel had the biggest appreciation for this small, close community, and we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public-spirited citizen of Stone County, Mississippi, who leaves a legacy of enormous civic energy and will be missed:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the condolences of the Mississippi Legislature to the bereaved family of Mayor Joel Travis Miles of Wiggins, Mississippi, and remember his legacy of community leadership.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Mayor Miles, forwarded to the Board of Aldermen of Wiggins and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.