Hattie Miles
Founder

HATTIE MAY (MCNEAL) MILES, affectionately called Mrs. Hattie or Mama Hattie by the community she loved and who loved her — was born on Thursday, September 10, 1936 in Tallulah, Louisiana to Clarence “Bill” McNeal Jr. and Georgia May Thomas-McNeal. She was the eldest of 13 siblings. Hattie accepted Christ Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age. Hattie loved the Lord. She didn’t limit her praise and worship to the church house, she prayed daily. 

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1943 - 1948

At the age of 7, Hattie and her family relocated to Greenville, Mississippi. One of her earliest memories, as a little country girl, was playing on a cotton plantation with her brother Willie McNeal and watching her elders work in the cotton fields. On a 2000+ mile train ride, Hattie moved to Vallejo, California in 1948, with her cousin Robert “Bob” Welch. She attended and graduated from Vallejo schools.

 

THE GREAT MIGRATION TO VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA

Hattie became a young mother with the birth of her first child, Tilley Garner. Shortly after his birth Tilley would perish as a toddler due to health complications. After the death of her first child, Hattie would go on to have seven children:  Ralph Garner, La'Rese Wade, Ezra Smith, Edmond Wade, Marcel Wade, Wesley Wade, and Odetta Wade. 

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As a young Black woman and a young parent, Hattie experienced her own set of challenges, but always knew her life had purpose and was determined to provide the best life possible for her children. Most importantly she trusted God’s love, power, and authority to guide her journey, give her vast fortitude, and fulfill her purpose. As a single mother, Hattie purchased her first home; 627 Grant Street in Vallejo, California. This home would serve to be a safe haven to raise her children, but also later would become the headquarters for her non-profit, faith-based organization, the House of Acts Substance Abuse Treatment Program.

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1974 - 1975

One beautiful day, Robert B. Miles saw Hattie and knew she’d be Mrs. Miles. Even telling her close friend Alice Mae Harrell, “I’m going to marry that woman!” So he did. Hattie married the love of her life, Robert B. Miles on July 20, 1974. From this union, they had one daughter, Rob’Lena “Shay” Miles. 

 

Hattie had a total of nine children.

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1968 - 1996

Hattie was an invaluable Intake Worker/Paralegal at Solano County Legal Assistance Services (from 1968-1994); and used those skills to open H&M Express Typing Service in 1991, with her dear friend Marion Boykins. Between 1980-1988, she and her husband owned and operated the Miles Care Home, assisting individuals with mental health issues. In 1987, Hattie became the first Black female Founding Director in California to open a non-profit, faith-based, alcohol and drug abuse treatment program — which was unprecedented! She started the House of Acts, which from small beginnings is now a well-renowned rehabilitation program. In 1989, Hattie took her community activism and innovative mindset to the next level and ran for Vallejo City Council — her platform, "A Person for the People".  She explained, “I want to serve working on behalf of the City of Vallejo. I want to make an impact on my community for the betterment of mankind. And also assist my community and the persons within it by establishing and implementing programs to aid those with substance abuse problems and mental health disorders.”

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As a loving wife, mother, visionary, changemaker, and social entrepreneur, Hattie received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Communications from Clayton University in 1989; her paralegal studies began at Sonoma State University in 1990 and she received her Paralegal Certificate from Napa Valley College in 1993; and became a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor after receiving her Certificate in Alcohol & Drug Studies (ADS) from Diablo Valley College in 1996. 

 

Hattie shared her love with everyone she came in contact with. Hattie balanced her strong love for her family, with the love her community needed. On 1st Sundays she joyfully performed her duties as a Deaconess; 3rd Sundays she would host big family dinners at her home; Monday through Friday she would work tirelessly for her community; on Fridays she would catch a new movie with girlfriends (especially, if it was a movie with Denzel Washington); on Saturdays she would find time to share her wonderful company during brunch, dinner, or a random girls outing; and from time to time, she would indulge in an exotic vacation with loved ones. She loved dogs and adored her miniature Rat Terrier, Steph (named after Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors).

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A LEGACY OF COMPASSION AND SUPPORT

As one of the pioneers in Solano County’s movement to advocate for substance abuse recovery, Hattie had participated in numerous programs geared towards health, wellness, empowerment, and community enrichment. She was a longstanding member and on the Deaconess Board of Revival Center Ministries in Vallejo. Also, she was an active member of: Black Women Organized for Political Action (Solano/Napa Chapter); Golden Star #90 Order of the Eastern Star (past Worthy Matron at #19); Menelik Court #53 Daughters of Imperial Court (past Honorary Commandress); National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (former Vice President of NAACP Vallejo Branch); National Council of Negro Women (Vallejo Section); and The Links, Incorporated (Solano/Napa Chapter). A few of her past memberships include: Solano County’s Black Political Women’s Association; Ladies of LeClub; Legal Defense for the Poor; Red Ribbon War on Drugs; Sister City Commission for the City of Vallejo; South Vallejo Association; and Vallejo Neighborhood Housing Service. 

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Her faith in God and her compassion for others drove Hattie to be an extraordinary woman and humanitarian. Her devotion, determination, and perseverance did not go unnoticed. She has received various awards for her selflessness and dedication. Just to name a few, she has been honored with the:

• "Women In Action" Award by National Council of Negro Women (Northern California)

• "Demonstration of Humanitarian Leadership" Certificate of Recognition by City of Vallejo Mayor Anthony Intintoli

• "Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Community Service" Award by Congressman George Miller (7th District of California) 

• "Warden's Recognition Award for People of Positive Action" by San Quentin State Prison

• "Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian" Certificate of Recognition Nominee by Touro University & State of California Legislature

• "Outstanding Supervision" Award by Workforce Development Board of Solano County (formerly Solano County Private Industry Council)

• "Lifetime Achievement" Award by National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP Vallejo Branch)

• “Certificate of Completion & Appreciation” Award by Vallejo Police Department Citizen Law Enforcement Academy

• “Certificate of Appreciation for Volunteer Services” Award by SAFE Program for the Battered Women’s Program

• "Honorary Recognition Leadership" Award by Dorothy Richardson for NeighborWorks® America

• "Certificate of Appreciation" Award by Fighting Back Partnership

• "Certificate of Appreciation" Award by Kiwanis Club of Vallejo

• "Community Service" Award by Salvation Army

• "Board Member Appreciation" Award by SafeQuest Solano, Inc. (formerly Solano County Battered Women)​

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A LEGACY OF LOVE AND SERVICE

On Thursday, November 5th, 2020 at 1:30PM, Mrs. Hattie Miles passed away unexpectedly (not COVID related). Her passing was two days before her Links, Inc.-sister Mrs. Kamala D. Harris was confirmed as the first woman of color and the first Madam Vice President of the United States of America. 

 

Hattie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Boyd Miles; parents Clarence McNeal Jr. and Georgia May Thomas-Powell; daughter, Odetta Kimberly Wade; sons, Tilley Garner and Marcel Lamont Wade; sisters, Susiette McNeal and Louise McNeal; brothers, Adam Powell, Willie McNeal, Clarence David McNeal-Chew III, Charlie E. Powell Jr., James Leslie McNeal, and Isiah Wesley McNeal; and two cousins who were like sisters, Jimmie D. Howard and Johnnie Bea Williams-Gamble. 

 

Hattie was survived by:  four sons, Ralph Garner (d. 2021), Ezra Smith, and Edmond Wade (d. 2022) of Vallejo, CA and Wesley “Punkin” Wade of Las Vegas, NV; two daughters, La’Rese (Rufus) Boughton of Suisun City, CA and Rob’Lena “Shay” Miles of San Pablo, CA; three brothers, David George Powell, Richard “Ank” Powell, and Robert “Poochie” Powell, all of Vallejo, CA; two sisters Paulette McNeal of Topeka, KS and Hattie McNeal of Florida; two granddaughters whom she raised after the deaths of her children, Taira Georgia May Scott (daughter of Odetta Wade) and Tiara Marcel Wade (daughter of Marcel Wade); and a host of other grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

 

Hattie’s African ancestry is linked to the Akan people in Ghana.  

 

With Hattie's legacy of love and service, she also leaves us with her favorite quotes:

• “Decency and order. When you do for one, you do for all.”

• “Put God first and all things will come to you.”

• “Love others and do what you can for others.”

• “Never give up. Continue with your journey. We all have a journey we must complete.”

• “Give me my flowers while I’m alive.”

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