Mary Marie (Sapp) Miles

It is with heavy hearts and endless stories to tell that we announce the passing of Mary Marie (Sapp) Miles on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A lifelong resident of Mount Vernon, who lived a full 90 years and left this world exactly the way she lived in it, surrounded by laughter, family, friends, and a cup of coffee within arm’s reach. 
 
Marie was born December 11, 1935, in the rural Mount Vernon home of her parents, Miller Guilford and Mary Frances (DeMott) Sapp. She was an only child and kept her parents on their toes with her sassy remarks and quick wit. Though her sassiness was legendary, Marie would describe it as “getting to the truth of the matter.”
 
At age 11, she gave her life to Christ. Her faith remained the guiding light throughout her life until her final breath when she was ready to spend eternity with her Savior. 
 
Marie was a proud Mount Vernon High School graduate and was valedictorian of her class in 1953. She was a member of the debate team, drama club, choir, and 4-H club where she loved fun, fellowship, and learning practical skills. 
 
On September 5, 1954, Marie married the love of her life Donald Wayne Miles at the Ozark Prairie “Brick” Presbyterian Church. Donald and Marie met at Youth for Christ where Marie played the piano and Don was a soloist. Their shared love of Jesus and passion for music brought them together, and time spent practicing together at Marie’s house soon blossomed into a deep and lasting bond. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters, Brenda Renee (Miles) Whitt and Lisa Dawn (Miles) Brafford, filling their home with music, laughter, and love.
 
Marie’s career included working as a secretary at the Missouri State Sanatorium, substitute teaching in the Mount Vernon school system, and working as executive assistant to the hospital director at the Missouri States Sanatorium. However, some of her greatest joy came from her involvement in the community. She was an elder and treasurer at the Ozark Prairie “Brick” Presbyterian Church, an active PTA member, and a warm presence in the Mount Vernon Welcome Wagon. 
 
Whether she was volunteering her time or simply catching up over a cup of coffee, Marie was always there for others. She was a master of sending cards, making sure no one ever felt forgotten, and never missed a chance to make a new friend, young or old. When she wasn’t volunteering her time or making new friends, she was reading Karen Kingsbury books, playing the piano, drinking coffee, or talking to her intergenerational social circle on her cell phone, landline, or sometimes both at the same time.
 
In retirement, Marie and Don travelled the world, visiting places like Hawaii, the Caribbean, New England, and Puerto Vallarta to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They renewed their vows on their 50th anniversary, more in love than ever.
 
Marie is survived by her daughters, Brenda Renee Whitt and her husband, Brian Whitt and Lisa Dawn Brafford; her grandchildren, and their significant others Mallory and Daan Van Ginneken, Jenna and Jason Swihart, Zach Whitt, Emily Chapman and Joe Sam, Heath and Alyssa Brafford and Katelyn and Kevon Birang; her great-grandchildren, Jenson and Judson Swihart, Allie Chapman, Jace and Chan Sam, Max and Jack Miles Van Ginneken, Waylon, Addison, and Kendall Brafford.
While we will miss her warmth, laughter, orneriness, and unforgettable stories, we find comfort in knowing that she’s now singing freely, playing the piano pain-free, catching up on all the books she’s been dying to read, and surrounded by Jesus and Don and all the glory of heaven. The world is a little less bright without her, but we are grateful for the joy and love she shared with us all.
 
A visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Ozark Prairie “Brick” Presbyterian Church with burial to follow at the church cemetery.
 
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Ozark Prairie “Brick” Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home.
 
Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.