Evelyn Washburn Giles

Evelyn was born in Cleveland County to the late D.P. Washburn and Edna Wright Washburn. A lifelong learner and advocate for education, she attended Gardner-Webb College before earning her Master’s Degree in Education from Appalachian State University.

It was during her time at Appalachian State that Evelyn met the love of her life, Walter Giles. They shared 63 wonderful years of marriage, settling in Charlotte for 28 years and later enjoying 32 years on Lake Norman. Upon retirement, Evelyn and Walter bought a motor home and traveled extensively throughout the United States, enjoying the beauty of the country together before moving to the Raleigh area to be closer to their two sons and their families.

An impactful educator, Evelyn served the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system for over 30 years. She touched countless lives as an elementary school teacher and later as an assistant principal. Her professional commitment was further reflected through her membership in Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society for key women educators.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Doug and Kim Giles of Cary, and Steven and Jennifer Giles of Raleigh; her cherished grandchildren, Eric Giles, Andrew and Sarah Giles, Brian Giles, and Alex Giles; and her two great-grandchildren, Elijah and Ava. She also leaves behind her brother and sister-in-law, D.P. and Lin Washburn of Polkville, and a host of nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter; her parents; her brothers, Eugene and Gerald Washburn; and her grandson, Christopher Worth Giles.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 14th, from 1:00 pm until 2:45 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh. A service to celebrate Evelyn’s life will follow at 3:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. She will be laid to rest at Raleigh Memorial Park during a private family ceremony at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Evelyn’s memory to Andrews Chapel United Methodist Church, 6702 Leesville Road, Durham, NC 27703.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Evelyn, or a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.