Columbus
We celebrate the life of Nora Deene Jiles. Nora passed away peacefully, on Wednesday May 25, 2022.
Nora was born on March 17, 1948 in Columbus, Indiana to Melbert and P. Evelyn Good. She was the first of 6 children.
Nora was educated in the Columbus school system where she attended State Street Elementary, Central Junior High, and was a graduate of the 1967 class of Columbus High School.
Her first job was as a telephone operator at Bakalar Air Force Base. In 1967 she met and married Sammie Keefus Jiles Jr., before moving to Altus Air Force Base in Altus, Oklahoma. She had 2 children whom she loved with all her heart, Keefus and Deena.
In 1972 she moved back to Columbus, where she worked for Bartholomew County as a social worker for many years. After leaving, Nora discovered her lifelong passion for the arts. Over the years, Nora developed and honed her skills as an artist. When she returned to the workforce at Atterbury Job Corps (where she worked for a number of years before retiring), she continued to shape her artistry. Her depictions of African American life and scenery, became inspirational pieces for all who were fortunate to view her work. She could often be found sitting in her yard sketching the world around her.
Nora loved to work in her garden. It was truly one of her favorite places to sit and interact with neighbors, family, and friends. After retirement she worked at Wal-Mart and Rural King as a cashier and greeter. When she wasn’t painting or gardening, you could find her at a card table or on the dance floor.
Preceded in death by her parents Melbert and P. Evelyn Good, siblings Christina K. Good and Gerald Good; and granddaughter Shyanne Jiles. She is survived by her loving brothers Melbert (Betty) Good and Jerry (Melanie) Good and favorite and living sister Lena (Louis) Page; her children Sammie Keefus Jiles III and Deena Jiles (Fikree Shu’aib) Shu’aib; the best grandsons Quentin Jiles, Keegan Jiles, Jaeren Jiles, Kaemon Jiles, and Kyan Jiles; special nephews whom she loved like sons Ronald Cosby, Gerad (Robin) Good, Kevin Cartwright, Shawn (Kelly) Good, Jeremy (Jennifer) Good, Chris (Sharla) Cartwright, Carey (Lauren) Cartwright, and Jason Good; and a niece Joy Good; beloved cousin Alberta Minniefield; a host of favorite cousins too many to mention, special friends Delary Jones, Joyce Boze, Nancy Humes, and Ms. Brown.
Services will be held at Hathaway Myers Funeral Chapel 1022 Pearl Street
Columbus, Indiana on Wednesday June 1, 2022. The visitation will be held
from 9am-11am with the service to follow immediately from 11am-12pm. Burial will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery.
To share a fond memory of Nora or leave a condolence for the family, visit www. Hathaway-Myers.com.
Hathaway-Myers is assisting the Jiles family.
