A TIME TO BE BORN... Deaconess Nell Harriett Gibson Giles was born on July 9, 1939 in Florence, SC. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Florence Duncan Gibson of St. Stephen, SC, who affectionately called her "Baby". A TIME TO BUILD UP... Deaconess Giles received her early education in the Berkeley County Public Schools. She was a 1957 graduate of Russellville High School. With a love for sewing, Deaconess Giles attended the St. Stephen Knitwear Center. A TIME OF PEACE... At an early age, Deaconess Giles started working in the church. She served in many capacities while a member of Allen A.M.E. Church, St. Stephen, SC. In 1965, Deaconess Giles gave her life to Christ and was baptized and became a member of Holy Trinity Holiness Church, St. Stephen, SC, serving under the leadership of the late Elder Samuel Canty. There she served as Church Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher and Usher. On many Sundays during the morning worship, she could be heard rendering a solo. In 1992, she was led by the Holy Spirit to become a member of the St. Stephen Seventh Day Adventist Church. She was appointed a Deaconess under the leadership of Elder Smallwood. Deaconess Giles worked untiring and unselfishly with the youth of the church by implementing the Youth Usher Board. She served faithfully in her ministries until her health failed. A TIME TO EMBRACE... On January 25, 1958, Deaconess Giles was joined in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Harry Giles, Jr. They were blessed with seven children. A daughter, Bonita Giles-Gadsden; a grandson, John Jordan Gadsden and a daughter-in-law, Gloria Giles preceded her in death. A TIME TO LOVE... Deaconess Giles enjoyed being a stay-at-home Mom, providing love and care to each one of her children. When the children got older, she was employed with the Berkeley County School District as a substitute teacher and part-time bus driver. She never worked long, because she felt her place was in the home caring for her husband and children. Deaconess Giles was an excellent seamstress, but preferred mostly to sew for her children. Her children were the apple of her eyes, understanding that each one had his/her own unique personality. She shared her wisdom with her children always reminding them to put God first, walk by faith and to always strive to be the best they could be. "Put on a happy face and do your best" is what she often said to her children. A TIME TO DIE... As her children shed tears on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, the angels in Heaven were rejoicing because one of the world's greatest mothers had entered into Heaven to take her rest. Deaconess Giles leaves to cherish and celebrate her memories: her husband, Harry Giles, Jr.; six loving children, Sheila (Harvie) Williams, Harry Giles, III, Franklin Giles, Pamela (Harry) Jubar, Nelma Savage and William (Nichole) Giles. Ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Earline Mazyck; a son-in-law, Ronald Gadsden; a special sister-in-law, Lillie Gibson; a special aunt, Lavinia Scott will also celebrate her memories. Others left to celebrate her life are special friends, Ruth Myers, Barbara Gaillard, Thomasina Simmons, Vera Gates, Cassandra Thomas, Bernice & Iva Gissentaner, Jackie Bolden and Rev. Larry (Diane) Stevens; school classmates, Laura Bell Pettiford, Vivian Gourdine and Barbara Gourdine. She will be greatly missed by a son in Christ, Elder Tony Middleton; her little prayer warrior who often read scriptures, sang and prayed for her, Ashley Hamilton; and a host of other relatives and friends. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please click on "Sign the Guestbook." Thank you!