Neoma Penny Giles

Neoma Penny Giles, 94, of Dallas was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 28, 2021. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and a loyal friend to all that knew her.

Penny was born in Marland, Oklahoma to Franklin and Claudia Penny, Sr. on September 17, 1927. She was one of twelve children. Penny attended both elementary and high school in Marland. During high school she played clarinet in the band, sang in the glee club and in the girl’s quartet. She was also a cheerleader and vice president of her senior class. After graduation, she attended the University of Oklahoma and was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. After college she moved to Dallas, Texas to pursue a career in the oil business. A career change led her to New York City where she lived and worked for over a year before returning to Dallas to work for Cornell Oil Company where she stayed for over seven years. She became active in politics, serving as Public Relations Chairman for the Dallas Young Republicans Club and was a volunteer at Children’s Medical Hospital and the East Dallas Christian Church “home for children.”

In 1962 she married John F. Giles, III, a native Dallas resident and had two beautiful daughters Gena Lynn Giles and Gretchen Lee Giles. While Gena and Gretchen were in school, Penny served on the board of Christ the King Mother’s Club, Ways and Means, the athletic committee and the cafeteria board. She also served on the board of the Women’s Auxiliary to Special Care School and was on the parent’s advisory board of Ursuline Academy and was active in fundraising drives for the Notre Dame Special School.

Penny was always active in a variety of civic and religious organizations including the Southern Memorial Association, the Dallas Civic Garden Center, the Matheon Club, Park Cities Presbyterian Church, the Seneca Book Review Club, Lakeside Browning Club, Craig Class, Dallas Eagle Forum, Texas Eagle Forum, and she was a longtime member of the Dallas Petroleum Club and Y.O. Social Club.

Penny enjoyed reading, studying the bible, playing bridge, traveling the world, and entertaining family and friends at the 121 Ranch in San Saba, Texas.

Penny is survived by her daughter Gena Lillis and son-in-law Steve Lillis of Dallas; Gretchen Giles of Dallas; Grandson Ryan Lillis and wife Megan of Dallas; Granddaughter Ashley Spano and husband Christian of Houston; and brother Wayne Penny of Ponca City, Oklahoma. Penny was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, John F. Giles, III; her father, Franklin Penny, Sr., her mother Claudia Penny, and ten of her siblings.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 6th at 1:30-3:30 p.m. followed by a graveside service at Calvary Hill Funeral Home Dallas, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Connecting Points 4516 Lovers Lane Ste. 212 Dallas, TX 75225 or online at https://www.betterunite.com/cppc-connectingpointofparkcitiesdonations in Penny Giles name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.calvaryhilldallas.com for the Giles family.