Sarah Jane Godfrey Giles

A Teacher Extraordinaire Sarah Jane Godfrey Giles “An Unforgettable Rich Life” Ephesians 3:14-19   Destined for a Blessed Rich Life   On April 10, 1933 in Egypt, Texas, Mrs. Sarah Jane Godfrey Giles made her debut here on earth. Her parents, Iverson Godfrey, Sr. and Ollie Cash Godfrey had no idea what impact their baby girl would have on the multitude of lives she came in contact with. Even as a young child, she moved to the beat of her own drum. She was very outgoing and rarely met a stranger. Unforgettable she left lasting impressions on many and built life-long friendships with church members, co-workers, parents and students.   Prepared for a Committed Rich Life   Sarah was taught the importance of education and developed a passion for it at an early age. Sarah began her elementary education in Egypt, Texas. The family moved to Texas City in 1947, where she continued her education at Booker T. Washington School for one year and completed her secondary education at Central High School in Galveston, Texas where she was Salutatorian of the Central High School - Class of 1950.  After graduation, she furthered her education at Samuel Huston College in Austin, Texas.  In 1952, the college merged and became Huston-Tillotson College and Sarah proudly became a 1954 honor graduate with a Major in Mathematics and a Minor in Chemistry.   She later received her Master’s Degree from Texas Southern University (Houston) and completed advanced studies at the University of Houston (Main Campus). She had the privilege of studying abroad in England and Scotland, where broadened her understanding and relationship with others across the world.     Equipped to Serve Others for a Respectful Rich Life   When the question was raised, “Who will teach our children?” Sarah eagerly said, “I will.”  She began her teaching career in La Marque Independent School District in 1954.  This dedicated teaching career spanned over 40+ years in the LMISD; College of the Mainland and the University of Houston where she enjoyed training teachers to teach.  During her years of service in LMISD, she served as Math Teacher at Lincoln High School and La Marque High School and rendered services as Math Department Chairperson and Assistant Principal.  Because of her love for the students of La Marque she would return joyously to the classroom to assist the students whenever needed.  In addition, she stayed committed to her students by tutoring math in her home for over 35 years.  Remarkable over the years she positively influenced the lives of thousands of children whom she taught.  She firmly believed; a teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge and wisdom in the pupils. Mrs. Giles was a no nonsense teacher that believed every child could and would learn in her class. Stories are still being told of how Mrs. Giles would set you straight when you got out of line, for it did not matter if you were in her class or not. She will always be remembered for carrying a ruler to check the length of the young ladies skirts, or for being courageous to break up fights and boldly marching into the boys’ restroom to catch the boys that were smoking. Unforgettable, just as she was quick to discipline you if you were wrong she was even quicker to encourage, cajole, write a letter in support or even make a phone call to ensure your entrance into college often times using her own finances. Because of her dedication to education, she has been one teacher that has been honored by almost every class of La Marque ISD. Mrs. Giles will be remembered as a legend in her own right.   Devoted to A Rich Family Life   She united in marriage to the love of her life Lee Andrew Giles on December 24, 1954 in a family’s home in Texas City by the late Rev. J. H. Scott.  This union of love was blessed with two children, Gregory Wane and Andrea Regenia. The Giles’ were a unique couple, they always had a compassionate heart for the well-being of others, whether family or friends, it made no difference. Their home was a place of refuge, a recovery facility and most of all, a home of love. They worked diligently to provide for their two children. Lee was Sarah’s number one fan. He was always by her side patiently waiting as he helped her to fulfill her life’s purpose.   Focused with A Spiritually Rich Life   After moving to Texas City in 1947, she united with Greater Barbour’s Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. J. H. Scott.  She was a 70+ year dedicated member of Greater Barbour’s Chapel Baptist Church where she and her beloved husband, Lee Andrew Giles, served as co-chairpersons of the Educational Fund. Embracing, I Timothy 4:12, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”  She was one of the first recipients of the Educational Fund Scholarship in 1950. She served as Secretary of the Sunday school and Jr. Usher. She was a former Sponsor of the Young Adult Choir. She also served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher and supported the Deacons and Trustee Wives.  As pillars in the community, she along with her husband was instrumental in implementing the after-school and Saturday tutorials at their church which served students throughout Galveston County. She whole heartedly made an impact in the lives of the children served.   Dedicated to A Rich Civic and Community Life   She was destined to be of service to others. She was initiated into Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on January 10, 1952 at Samuel Huston College in Austin, Texas.  She remained faithful as a 60+ year lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for over 60 years and a charter member of the La Marque Alumnae Chapter.  She was also a 50+ year member of Lakeview Court #262 Heroines of Jericho - Prince Hall Affiliation.  She is also a member of National Council of Mathematics Teachers, Texas State Teachers Association, National Education Association, Texas City - La Marque Retired Educators Association, Life member of the NAACP Mainland Branch #6201.  Over the years, she has received numerous awards and honors for her service to her church, sorority, school district, community and the State of Texas.  Blessed to know her, her home was a haven of love for her family, extended family and friends.  The door was always open for you to come and visit and especially eat her world famous Sarah Giles gumbo.  During the Christmas season, it would be like a Winter Wonderland with all her decorations inside and out; and who can forget you were always welcome to sit and share her stories in her Coke Room.  She has been a blessing to so many people, never asking for anything in return.   Ended with A Faithful Rich Life’s Journey   On Friday, January 8, 2016, Sarah departed this life to be with the Lord.  Those awaiting her heavenly arrival are her parents, Ollie and Iverson Godfrey, Sr.; her beloved husband of 57 years, Lee Andrew Giles; her siblings, Johnnie Mae, Rosetta, Odessa, Howard, Clarence, Iverson, Jr. and Cline; her beloved in-laws whom she loved and cared for, Rev. T. H. Giles, Sr. and Lela Kimble Giles; and her beloved pets, Christina and Joseph.   Committed to A Virtuous Rich Life She leaves to celebrate her rich legacy for her son, Gregory Giles, Sr. and wife, Gwendolyn J. Giles; daughter, A. Regenia Randall and husband, Pastor William L. Randall, Jr.; sister, Ollie Thompson and husband, Charles Thompson; grandchildren, Gregory W. Giles, Jr. and wife, Anggie Pena Giles, Jamail Shelton and wife, Latrice Shelton, Crystal Randall Stinson and husband William Stinson, Lance E. Giles and wife, Candy Giles, Ashley Randall Scott and husband, DeJuan Scott and Whitney Randall; great-grandchildren, Jiah Shelton, Leandro Giles, Leomar Giles, Jazlyn Giles, Ethan Scott, Sarah Giles,  Brenden Scott, Brylon Stinson, Ryan A. Scott and Riley A. Scott; niece and nephews that were reared in the home with her, Wilma Green and husband, Tommie, Dewey Clark and Mack Herbert Clark.  her beloved cousin and “sister” who shared a lifetime together, Claudine Brooks Shorter and family; her devoted cousin and caregiver, Clara Henderson; a beloved friend who she loved as a daughter, Dorothy Washington and husband Theodore Washington; in-laws, Annie Pearl Watts, Dorothy Godfrey, Myrtle Giles Davis and husband, Paul Davis, and T. H. "Sonny" Giles, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, extended family members, her Barbour's Chapel Church family, her Delta Sorors, her La Marque School co-workers and students, as well as many friends.