Obituary
JJohn Herbert Niles, Jr., M.D. (“Herb”), 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at his daughter’s home in Westminster, Maryland, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on January 17, 1938, in Washington, DC, Herb was the beloved son of the late John Herbert Niles, Sr. and Arlena Smith Niles. Raised in the District of Columbia, he graduated from Spingarn High School in 1955 and then earned his bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College in 1959, a previously segregated school where he was the only African American student in his freshman class. Herb earned his medical degree from the Howard University College of Medicine in 1963 with honors in Obstetrics and Gynecology. After graduating from medical school, Herb served his country with distinction as a Vietnam War-era United States Army physician, where he was Chief of Service, Obstetrics and Gynecology at Irwin Army Hospital, Ft. Riley, Kansas, and Kirk Army Hospital, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. He received the United States Army Medical Corps Certificate of Achievement and was honorably discharged with the rank of major.
Following his military service, Herb continued to devote his life to women’s health. For more than 60 years, he served as a dedicated and respected obstetrician and gynecologist, caring for generations of patients and contributing to the health and well-being of his community. Herb was a member of the National Medical Association, the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, where he served as Chairman of the OB/GYN Section from 1984 to 1987, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, where he was a Fellow.
Herb’s commitment to public health and community service extended well beyond his medical practice. In 1983, Mayor Marion Barry appointed Herb Chairman of the Mayor’s Advisory Board on Maternal and Child Health, and in 1999, Mayor Anthony Williams appointed him Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Committee to Reduce Out-of-Wedlock Births and
Teen Pregnancy. A respected leader in his field, Herb served on the Board of Directors of Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, D.C., from 1985 to 1995. He chaired the hospital’s Ethics Committee from 1993 to 1995, and in 1993 he became the hospital’s first African American Chief of Staff. In 1996, he founded and served as Medical Director of the Columbia Hospital for Women Teen Health Center.
Throughout his life, Herb remained deeply connected to his alma mater, Allegheny College, proudly serving as a member of its Board of Trustees for three decades, from 1992 to 2022, and beginning in 2023, Allegheny College honored him with an appointment as Trustee Emeritus. He received the Allegheny College Blue Citation in 2011, the ABC Award in 2020, and an Allegheny College Honorary Degree in 2015.
While Herb’s professional accomplishments were many, his greatest joy was his family. He cherished the time spent with those he loved and will be remembered for his dedication, wisdom, generosity, and love. Herb also loved to read and enjoyed traveling. He particularly enjoyed spending time in Las Vegas, Aruba, the Southwest region of the United States, and Maine. Outside of his career and family, Herb enjoyed a good game of poker and took great pride in his collection of lighthouses. After his retirement in 2024, Herb developed a passion for painting, as it allowed him to express his natural gifts of dexterity, creativity, and attention to detail, which made him such a uniquely skilled physician.
Herb is survived by his wife, Amy; his children, John Herbert, III (Rachel), Mark (Jennifer), Kahlida, Jonnell (Nic), Lyndsay (Brian), Hannah (John), and Justin. He is also survived by seven adored grandchildren: Grayce, Maxwell, Hilliard, Peck, Knox, Bellamy, and Samara. Herb was predeceased by his parents and his best friends, Dr. Richard Butcher and Griffin Day
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations in Herb’s name to the recently established John Herbert Niles, Jr., M.D. Memorial Scholarship Fund at his alma mater, Allegheny College. The scholarship will provide tuition support for low-income students from the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Throughout his adult life, Herb was committed to creating educational opportunities for young people through scholarships and mentorship, and his family is pleased to partner with Allegheny College on this program established in his name and memory. Gifts to this scholarship fund will help honor and support Herb’s lifelong commitment to invest in the next generation and expand access to higher education for members of historically underrepresented communities.
If you would like to make a memorial donation in Herb’s honor, please navigate to the bottom of this page for donation information.
The Celebration of Life service for Herb will take place at Dunbarton Chapel, located at 2900 Van Ness St NW, Washington, DC, on Saturday, October 10 at 11am for visitation until time of service at 11:30am.
Arrangements are under the direction of McGuire Funeral Services. Online condolences may be shared below.
Memory wall
My deepest sympathy on your loss.
From the first time I met Dr. Niles (Doc Doc) in 2007 at Allegheny at our Second ABC (Alumni Association of Black Collegians/Advancement of Black Culture) Reunion, he endeared himself to those of us who came to Allegheny years after he attended and graduated. We instantly bonded with him and he with us. He was a trailblazer; was committed to the success of all students, but especially students of color and low-income; had a great sense of humor; loved Allegheny; and became a great friend and mentor. And, Doc Doc always talked about you, his family, with pride and love, often sharing pictures. He will be missed! I will forever remember him!
My family and I pray that God comforts your heart like only He can. May He be the strength for your family and wrap you all up in His divine arms of love. You and your family are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Thanks for sharing Doc Doc with me and others.
Carrie A. R. Reeves’73 and Family
"Igwe-bu-Ike" ("In unity, there is strength") - ABC Alumni Association Motto
We could always count on his being there. It was just part of our family ritual whenever we came down from New York for a visit, but especially at Thanksgiving which was our favorite time. There he was, smiling, leaning against the railing, standing to the side of the entrance to Union Station, where the trains arrived. "Uncle Herrrrrrrrb", Sam always exclaimed with a smile beaming from ear to ear as he ran up to greet Herb. Kisses and hugs were exchanged with firm handshakes along with quick "How are yous" as we stopped just long enough to drop our bags, each taking turns to use the restroom before heading up to the parking lot where Herb had parked the car. On the drive to the house we spoke about anything and everything. What was new with us, what was new with each of his children, what was happening in the news. That was one of the very special things about Herb. You could speak to him about anything and he would listen.
Conversations with Herb were filled with the intelligence and knowledge he had acquired over a lifetime of reading. In between watching Thanksgiving football games we could easily find Herb and several family members in the living room engaged in vigorous talk and debate about books he was currently reading while turkey and sides were filling the house with great aromas. And I knew I would be in serious trouble with Herb if I arrived on Thanksgiving day and had not brought with me my Cornbread and Jalapeno Stuffing. I loved to bring that dish to Thanksgiving not simply because almost everyone enjoyed it but because Herb really seemed to relish it and always asked for second and third helpings.
Throughout the day and during dinner, discussions would follow where medicine and his practice were naturally at the forefront as it was always clear that Herb cared deeply about his patients. If we ever had a medical question, it was a foregone conclusion that we could ask Herb regardless of whether or not the questions were obstetric or gynecological in nature. Herb's medical knowledge was broad and when I needed help in making a medical decision he offered straightforward and sound advice that resulted in a positive outcome. For this I will always be grateful.
Herb was an astute and seasoned Poker player which made him a natural member of our family because our parents, aunts and uncles and cousins had a long history of trips to Atlantic City for some gambling fun. Over many years we spoke about going to the Borgata (one of his favorite places) together on a family trip and I only regret we never had the opportunity to see him in action at the table. More than likely there are several pieces of gift clothing (ties and socks?) with images of casino dice in Herb's closet, as his love for the casino was well known. Herb was fun and had a zest for life that was more than palpable. Jokes and laughter at the dinner table were always a joy and Herb was always there to contribute. No matter when we came, holiday or not, and regardless of demands on his time, Herb always made time for us. We will always love him for that and for so many other reasons.
We know that Herb's kind, humane nature and caring dedication to his practice positively impacted the lives of many women and families over many years. He leaves behind a legacy of birth and life that will not be forgotten. I think Herb would have liked and believed the inspiring words of Hannah Szenes, poet and Hungarian resistance fighter of World War II below, for they exemplify how Herb and his many accomplishments continue on:
“There are stars whose radiance is visible on Earth though they have long been extinct. There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world even though they are no longer among the living. These lights are particularly bright when the night is dark. They light the way for humankind.”
Herb will always be remembered. He will continue to "light the way for humankind." May Herb's memory be for a blessing.
With much love from
Shelley White (sister-in-law)
David White (brother-in-law)
Jay Lefkowitch (brother-in-law)
Samuel White (nephew).
It really saddens me to type this tribute, but I had to reach out and let the family know how wonderful it was to have Dr Nile’s in my life for over 40 years (delivered my two children). Thank you for sharing him with me and so many others! I truly appreciated him being my GYN and Incognito Primary Care Doctor. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have been so diligent in making sure that I had my mammogram, eye exams, heart check-up, colonoscopy up to date, and anything else before I went to see him. I knew he would go down his check list and ask if they had been done (and where are the receipts lol), and if it wasn’t, he would give me the paperwork to have it done.
I love the fact that he took women’s health care to the next level, and that I was the beneficiary of ALL his experience and even getting more educated on weight management because he helped me get a better understanding of the importance of that as well. What doctor sits in his office and walks you thru an educational video, Dr Niles! I am really going to miss him, but will carry his shared knowledge with me. Job well done Sir! Rest in heavenly Paradise!
May God’s favor and blessings strengthen the family, and you find joy in knowing his memories will live on in so many!
I loved his honesty, curt demeanor and patience. He always listened to me and offered the best advice, and medical attention.
The family is truly in my prayers, and have my deepest condolences.
I will always remember the best Doctor to have ever lived.
RIP Dr. John H. Niles. I love you.
Service
While we mourn the loss of someone who meant so much to us, we also want to honor the life he lived, the memories he created, and the love he shared with all of us. Your presence would mean so much to our family as we gather to remember him, share stories, and celebrate the lasting impact he had on our lives.
2900 Van Ness Street, NW, Washington, DC
11:00am visitation until time of service at 11:30am
Donate
Throughout his adult life, Herb was committed to creating educational opportunities for young people through scholarships and mentorship, and his family is pleased to partner with Allegheny College on this program established in his name and memory.
Gifts to this scholarship fund will help honor and support Herb’s lifelong commitment to invest in the next generation and expand access to higher education for members of historically underrepresented communities.
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