Pauline Harris Giles

Mrs. Pauline Harris Giles, 93, of Arrington, Virginia, peacefully departed this life at her home on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on June 23, 1932, in Nelson County, Virginia, to the late Samuel Harris and Alma Haskins.

Pauline was a proud graduate of Nelson Training School. After marrying the love of her life, Walter Giles, she began her journey as a devoted homemaker, raising her family with unwavering love, strength, and grace. Her home was always a place of warmth, faith, and welcome.

“May The Work I’ve Done Speak For Me.”

Pauline was a strong, resilient woman who endured life’s challenges with quiet courage and unshakable faith. Pauline was a longtime and dedicated member of Little Zion Baptist Church where she faithfully served as both Treasurer and Deaconess until she was called to her heavenly home. She had a deep love for gardening. She loved her rose bushes and found great joy and peace in tending to them. She also particularly loved baking, cooking, and was well known for her delicious cakes. Pauline was a true soldier on the battlefield that never complained of what she was going through because she did not want you to carry her burdens. Let us remember Sis. Pauline Harris Giles as a devoted spouse, a strong pillar in the community and church, and importantly, a caring, loving mother whose legacy will continue in each of her children’s lives.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sons: James Russell Giles of Greensboro, NC; Sherman Gregory Giles (Janie) of Hanover, VA; Ronnie Walter Giles (Carlitha) and Roy Williams Giles, both of Nelson County, VA; and Mark Anthony Giles (Angela) of Amherst County, VA. Her daughters: Gail Pauline Whalen (John) of Nelson County,VA; Gwendolyn Pendleton (Ricky) of Amherst County, VA; Annie Chambers, Cheryl Giles, and Renee Giles, all of Nelson County, VA. Her brothers: Willie Harris (Beverly) of Auburn, WA; Andrew Harris of Lovingston, VA; and Phil Harris of Chicago, IL. Her sisters: Anna Baines of Chicago, IL, and Cynthia Harris of Charlottesville, VA. She is also survived by a very close friend, Delphine Giles; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Rudolph Giles; a son, Carl Edward Giles; daughters, Lynn Giles Thompson and Debbie Giles; a sister, Gladys Johnson; and brothers: Jessie Haskin, and Harry, James, John, and Lawrence Harris.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Byrum-Parr Funeral Home, Inc., with Rev. Robert Meredith officiating. Burial will follow in the Little Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. Viewing and visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.