Obituary of Miriam Kersey

57, on July 29, 2012, ended her battle with lung cancer. She was surrounded by her family and the love, prayers, and positive energy of hundreds of friends who had supported her during this ordeal. Miriam was born on September 30, 1954 in Macon, GA. Miriam graduated from Trinity Preparatory School in 1972. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art History from Vanderbilt in 1976. She continued her education at the University of Georgia in Athens, from which she obtained her Master of Arts Degree in Landscape Architecture and Planning. Miriam spent over a decade practicing as a landscape architect and land planner for several well-known Orlando firms. Professionally, Miriam left a significant mark on the community but most notably was her personal dedication to local, charitable organizations. She devoted countless hours to the Orlando Public Arts Board, Orlando Junior League, Florida Hospital Foundation as the 1997 Golden Gala Chairman, Board of Trustees for Trinity Preparatory School, and in the last few years as an active member of the Orlando Museum of Art's Council of 101. Miriam was also a member of National Society of The Colonial Dames of America. Miriam was an intelligent, beautiful, and amazing woman with an inner beauty and strength that was rarely seen. She was trustworthy, resourceful, loyal and enjoyed a strong sense of purpose. Miriam was a good friend, teammate and colleague who strived for excellence and shared rewards. She was a loving daughter, supportive sister, and mentoring aunt. Miriam was an engaged partner with her husband and nurturing mother. There was no greater joy or accomplishment than her two sons and she successfully raised them to be the outstanding young men they are today. Beyond family, Miriam's true passion was playing tennis. She was a member of several women's leagues, playing competitively up to three times a week. And when she was off the court Miriam loved cooking and entertaining for family and friends in the warmth of her welcoming home. Miriam always carried herself with elegance and strength, despite her diagnosis and almost year-long battle with cancer. There's no doubt her name, her legacy and her love will live on with each and every person that she touched throughout her life. Miriam is survived by her husband, Jim Kersey; sons, Graham and Alex (Ashley), all of Orlando, FL; parents, Jim and Martha Staples of Winter Park, FL; brother, Dr. Mark Staples (Nancy), of Gainesville, FL; five nieces; four nephews; one great-niece and two great-nephews. She also leaves behind numerous other loving relatives and friends. A celebration to honor Miriam's life will be held on Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 4:30pm at the Orlando Museum of Art. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Miriam's name to the Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803.