Wanda T. Giles of Virginia Beach, Virginia entered eternal rest on Monday, December 13, 2021, at age 68 with her beloved family by her side. Wanda was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on November 11, 1953, to the late Thomas Jefferson Harris, Jr. and Grace Marie Harris as the fourth born of eight children.
Wanda graduated from Huntington High School in Newport News, Virginia. She had a multi-faceted career which included Banking, Property Management, and Practitioner in the Healing Arts. After receiving her Doctor of Philosophy in the Healing Arts, she became well known and respected as Dr. Wanda T. Giles by her clients, friends, family, associates, accomplished healers, and professionals in the metaphysics field.
In the late 1980s, she developed a passion for singing and by the early 1990s, she began performing publicly as a jazz vocalist all over the Tidewater area. She made lasting memories, solid friendships, and was regarded as one of their own in the local musician community.
Her long beautiful locks were so unique to her. They were a key contribution to her signature look, natural beauty, and personal style, which made her appearance a highly identifiable brand in her business—on or off stage—and in life.
Wanda, who was affectionately called “Weenie,” is best remembered by her family as someone who was eternally young. She was connected to and constantly poured into the youth. Always ready to help others in need, she made lasting friendships wherever she went. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who would do anything to support her grandchildren’s dreams as well as safeguard their wellbeing and happiness. Equally free-spirited, she loved dancing, laughing, storytelling, and attending live jazz concerts with family and friends.
Wanda is predeceased by her brother Paul Newton Harris (Doris). She is survived by her devoted husband of over 20 years, Lawrence (Larry) Giles, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memory a son, Clarence Elliott Harris of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and a daughter, Chalanda L. Jones (Roosevelt) of Ashland, Virginia. She also leaves behind six brothers and sisters: Janet Truesdale, Chavis Harris (Karen), twin brother Thomas J. Harris, III (June), Jonathan Harris, Hazel Blunt (Jesse), Michael Harris (Laurie), and one stepsister Jacquelyn Johnson (Calvin). She also leaves six grandchildren: Sherri Harris, Quontavion Jones, Andre Porter, Michael Harris, Nyle Bynum, and Katelyn Jones; and three great grandchildren, Jainia Harris, Sariah Harris, and Quincy Jones. She is also survived by three loving aunts: Judith Loretta Wood, Cynthia Elder (Lawrence), and Evelyn Harris. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews as well as many loving cousins and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Smith & Williams Funeral Home in Virginia Beach, Virginia on Saturday, January 8th, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. All attendees are requested to wear a mask during the entire service.
You may also join a live stream of the memorial service at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/virginia-beach-va/wanda-giles-10493349. Friends may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com.
