Barbara C. Giles

Barbara Carolyn Giles, 85, entered God’s kingdom peacefully in her home on September 16th, 2023. She was born on July 10, 1938, to John and Ora Bell Collins. Barbara is survived by her two children, Brenda (Roy) and Craig (LaTrice); four grandchildren, Nicholas (AnnMarie), Donte, Nicole, and Craig (Ty); two great-grandchildren, Ausset and Jael; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Barbara’s story began in Sparta, Georgia, growing up with her 13 siblings. Soon after, the Collins family moved north to Washington D.C., where she attended Howard University and married Willie Giles in 1956. The newlyweds welcomed their daughter, Brenda, in 1958, relocated to Southern California, and then welcomed their son, Craig, in 1966. The Giles family quickly made many lifetime friendships on Dronfield St. and throughout the San Fernando Valley. Barbara celebrated a 40+ year career working for the U.S. Department of Defense, retiring in 1998.

Barbara joined the local Jack and Jill Social Club, The Artistics crafts group, the Friday Nighters a Bid Wiz card club, her local bowling league, and many more groups and activities. Barbara loved to travel with her husband, Willie, and they trekked the world from Hawaii and the Caribbean islands to London, Egypt, Turkey, and almost everywhere in between before his passing in 2002.

Barbara was known to be a very spirited and honest woman! Her home is full of elephant figurines, her favorite animal. Barbara was a lifelong Democrat who loved to talk politics. Living through the inauguration of the first Black president was a highlight for her. She religiously watched game shows like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Many believed she was smart enough to be a show contestant herself. She was ecstatic over the birth of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the light of her life!

Barbara was a devout believer and Christian woman who served as an usher at Calvary Baptist Church in Pacoima until her health made it too difficult. Her church and immediate family remember her for her strength, kindness, honesty, laugh, and joyous, feisty spirit.

We are comforted that she is now with Jesus!