Darline Surles

“As we travelled life’s path, we took time to say hello There the seed of love was planted, and time made it grow”     - Darline Surles

Darline Myles Surles was born to the late Chavis and Bessie Myles on March 31, 1937 in Cumberland Co., NC, the second of ten children. God called her home to rest from her labor on Wednesday November, 4, 2020 at Pelican Nursing Facility in Norfolk, VA amongst her family. She is preceded in death by her father, Chavis Myles; her mother, Bessie Myles; three brother, James Myles, Nathaniel Myles, and Casie Myles; and two sisters, Eartha Myles-Geddie and Gertha Myles-Lloyd.

Darline was formally educated through Harnett Co. Public Schools and Norfolk City Public Schools. She obtained her Adult Learning Certificate from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, VA.

Darline was married to her late husband, Ben Surles, for over 50 years and was the mother of three children, her son, Ben Surles Jr. of Newark, NJ, one adopted nephew son, Pastor David Myles (Constance) of Fredericksburg, VA, and one adopted niece daughter, Pastor Sylvia Myles of Norfolk, VA, as well as being a mentor to many others. Darline attended Abyssinia Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Frank Gunns Sr. of Norfolk, VA.

Darline began her career in the early 70’s as a floral specialist in the Colley Avenue Floral Shop. She then became an environmental specialist with Grinnan Commercial Cleaning Company in Norfolk, VA. In the 80’s she went on to become a kitchen operator at Norfolk State University, where she later retired.

Darline leaves to cherish her memory three children, Ben Surles Jr., Pastor David Myles (Constance), and Pastor Sylvia Myles; her sister Lucleta M. Adams of Durham, NC; two grandchildren, Nick Myles (Priscilla) and Marisa Myles, and one great grandson, Josiah Myles, three special friends and caregivers at her home, Randy Flora, Linda Chanty, and Monica Akinsanya who loved her dearly, and three god-grandchildren, Sabrina Parker, Mia Holden, Tamara Gary, Kimberly Cowell-Barnes, and Rashaun McKinnies, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

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