Gayle P Miles - Scott

Gayle Patrice Miles was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 19, 1950, to proud parents, Charles C. Miles and Mary Lou Greenard Miles. In 1952, her parents relocated to Oklahoma City where she was raised and continued her spiritual, educational, and professional journeys.

Gayle began her Christian walk as a child at the St. John Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized by her pastor, the late Rev. Dr. W.K. Jackson. She continued her journey of faith as a member of the Prospect Church under the pastoral leadership of her dear friend, Dr. Lee E. Cooper, Jr. She worked diligently with the pastor’s aide, culinary ministry and women’s chorus.

Gayle received her education in the Oklahoma City Public School system. She graduated with distinction from Northeast High School in 1968. She played the flute in her high school band, participated in the mixed chorus, and was a member of the Courtesy club. Gayle also served as the Vice-President of Student Council and Upward Bound. She was a music prodigy before the age of ten, playing the piano and violin under the instruction of Mrs. Johnnie Mae Kimbro, Cornelius Earl Pittman, and Dr. Leroy Hicks.

Her unwavering dedication to education led her to Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, where she excelled as a music scholar majoring in piano and organ. While a student there, Gayle was a member and musician for the Spelman Glee Club. She completed her senior 40-page organ piece on the acclaimed pipe organ within Sister’s Chapel. Gayle went on to become a member of the historic Baton and Keyboard Club of Oklahoma City. She also used her musical gifts as a former musician, alto choir member, and Finance Chair on the Board of Directors of the renowned Ambassadors’ Concert Choir.

In the spring of 1972, Gayle graduated from Spelman College, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey of learning and achievement. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, Gayle attended Atlanta University, now known as Clark-Atlanta University, where she earned a Master of Business Administration Degree, a testament to her intellectual prowess and determination. 

Gayle's professional endeavors took her to Kansas City, Missouri, where she joined the IBM Corporation. Upon returning to Oklahoma City, she embarked on a new chapter as a Certified Public Accountant. It was during this time that she met and married Mr. Cleveland Scott. Their union was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Brittany Simone Scott.

As the daughter of two prominent educators in the Oklahoma City community, Gayle's passion for education was deeply ingrained. She chose to share her knowledge with others by becoming a professor in the College of Business at Central State University (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she retired as a tenured professor. Remarkably, Gayle remains the only African American to retire with emeritus status from the Accounting Department at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Gayle possessed an entrepreneurial spirit, leading her to establish Miles Scott & Lippard Accounting Firm, and later Gayle Miles Scott CPA, where she dedicated over 40 years of her life as a Certified Public Accountant. She was the fourth African American to pass the Certified Public Accountant exam in the State of Oklahoma. Later in life, her love for design led her to open "Just for You," a novelty, screen printing and event planning company. Through this venture, Gayle provided coordination for countless events in the Oklahoma City area, leaving her mark of exquisite decor on the community.

Embracing the strong legacy of her mother, Mary Lou Greenard Miles, Gayle was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Beta Omega Chapter on November 9, 1980, in Kansas City, MO. She later transferred to Beta Sigma Omega Chapter in Oklahoma City, OK, where she remained a financial and active member. Her love and dedication to the sorority remained steadfast. She celebrated 25 years of "service to all mankind" in 2005 and became a Life Member. Throughout her membership, she held various positions on the local, regional, and international levels, authored the organization's Fiscal Fitness Guide, and taught Financial Officer Certification courses. From 2010 to 2018, she served as the International Financial Officer Certification Committee chairman. In 2018, she was elected as the International Treasurer of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, during the administration of the 30th International President, Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover. She successfully completed her term in 2022 and because of her diligent service, the Sorority remained fiscally sound. Every chapter in the sorority has benefitted from the financial guidance and instruction of Gayle Miles-Scott.

Gayle possessed a vibrant passion for life and exploration. In her later years, she expressed immense joy in cherishing precious moments with her beloved grandchildren. Her zest for life was expressed through her creativity in floral arrangements, love of food, and international travel. 

On September 27, 2023, Gayle departed this life at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to education and community service. Gayle will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former students, and all whose lives were enriched by her presence. As we say goodbye to a beloved mother, sister, educator, friend, and community leader, we also celebrate the profound impact she made on our lives.

Gayle is survived by her sister, The Honorable Vicki Miles-LaGrange; her daughter, Brittany Simone Scott-Couch (Sean); her son, Christopher John Harrison, Sr. (Kristi); her four cherished grandchildren, Atticus Couch, Soledad Couch, JeKia Harrison, and Christopher J. Harrison, Jr.; her niece, Johnna Marie Miles-Watts; great nieces Samantha Watts, Cheyenne Watts, Jade Watts, and Maysen Watts; great nephew Magnus Watts; cousins Marilyn Powers (Rochester, NY), Greenard Powers (Buffalo, NY), and Stephanie Miles (Kansas City, MO); and cousins Jimmy Miles and Hycle Miles (Kansas City, MO). She also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

In the words of Gayle, "Education is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities." Her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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