LANCASTER—Miles Chapman Courson passed away peacefully January 11, 2025, at his beloved home, Locusville Farm, in Lancaster. He was 71. He is reunited with his wife, Sharon, who passed the year before.
Miles was born on November 3, 1952. A creative spirit, devoted partner and lifelong musician, Miles built a life rooted in passion, purpose, and place. He grew up in Northern Virginia, achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and earned a degree in architecture. His career spanned technical design work, primarily designing fire sprinkler systems, but his heart always belonged to the land and to music.
In 1989, Miles purchased a historic 1850s farmhouse in Lancaster County and began restoring it by hand. Over the years, Locusville grew into a working farm, market and gathering place. Miles and Sharon—his wife of 25 years—shared a life of gardening, raising animals, playing music and honoring the land’s history. He was happiest with his hands in the dirt or a harmonica in hand, playing blues and original songs with his most recent band, Plantation Blue.
Miles is survived by his brothers, Bruce and Glenn Courson; his daughters, Georgia Courson and Virginia Leslie; his granddaughter, Rosa Shafer; and his friend and former spouse Karen Doyle. His legacy lives on in the community he nurtured, the stories he told, the music he made and the land he loved.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on May 17, at Locusville Farm, 583 Slabtown Road, Lancaster. Friends and family are invited to join for a ceremony, lunch and a musical jam session in honor of Miles’ life and love of music.
