Gwendolyn (Fain) Miles

Gwen “Buddie” Miles left this world peacefully on July 7, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by family, and knowing her beloved grandson, Matthew Stan Miller, was waiting to welcome her home.

          Gwen Miles was born Jan. 26, 1940 in Atlanta, Georgia, having no idea that her cherished great-granddaughter, Aerilaya Duncan, would arrive with the same birthday exactly 77 years later. The two shared a special bond that transcended age and had a profound influence on both of them.

          Gwen was the proud and loving mother of daughter Leslie Duncan, of Robbinsville, N.C., and son Stan Allen Miles (Mandy) of Key West, FL, and the grandmother of Christopher Duncan of Robbinsville, N.C. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Matthew Stan Miller, who died in a tragic house fire while trying to save the animals the family adored.

          She is also survived by Matthew’s wife, Tanya Nations Miller, and her daughters, Brianna Hardiman, Makayla Bouchard and Summer Nations, all of whom became family to Gwen as soon as they became family to Matthew.

          Gwen moved to Robbinsville, N.C. in the 1990s and relished the small-town hospitality and mountain community. She leaves behind her lifelong and dearest friend Linda Hosea of Atlanta and essential Robbinsville friend Tammie Chekelelee of Robbinsville.

          Gwen passed her love for animals — all animals — and the outdoor world onto her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She never met a stray that didn’t become a pet. She allowed an 8-year-old Stan to have a pet alligator named "Wally Gator,” who lived for years in their backyard. And she called her daughter Leslie in a panic one November day, when she noticed a lone hummingbird had stuck around longer than its usual migration and the sweet water Gwen kept in her hummingbird feeders had frozen, but she couldn’t reach the feeder to replace the water.

          Gwen adored the outdoors, from the mountains to the beach, and enjoyed taking her son, Stan, and young grandson, Matthew, camping. She was an avid gardener and intricate painter, creating beloved hand-painted Christmas ornaments that are in part of her family’s treasured holiday collections.

          Although her departure saddens those she left behind, we know it heralded Gwen’s arrival in a better place that she’ll share with Matthew until the rest of us arrive.

          Celebrations of life will be planned at a later date in the mountains near Robbinsville, and at the beach. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in the name of Gwen Miles to the Graham County Animal Refuge.

          Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Miles Family.