Dorothy Giles, 68, of Phenix City, AL, passed away peacefully Monday evening, July 23, 2018 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family.
Ms. Giles was born May 3, 1950 in East Orange, NJ, to the late Alfred Giles and Janie Hogue Giles. She retired from both the Phenix City and Muscogee County School Systems as a Media Specialist with a combined 40 years of service. Her passionate commitment to public education enriched the lives of generations of children who were fortunate enough to attend Phenix City Middle School and Forrest Road Elementary during her tenures.
Her calming strength was essential to many community organizations that will feel her absence for years to come. She served as a volunteer in the Chattahoochee Valley area in a variety of ways, giving her time to Meals on Wheels and the Crisis Center of Russell County. She also served on the board of directors of the Children and Family Connection. Dorothy was a devoted member of Summerville United Methodist Church in Phenix City, where she sang in the choir and served as treasurer for the United Methodist Women’s group. In these and other service roles, her smile and joyful commitment to life always shone through. Dorothy’s friends and family will remember her for often sharing her personal mantra: “It is what it is.”
She was preceded in death by her big sister and best friend, Mary Jane Riley.
She is survived by her nephew and niece — both natives of Phenix City — Morgan Riley living in Barcelona, Spain, and Meredith Riley Stewart, married to Bert Stewart, living in Los Angeles, CA, as well as other extended loving family members, church family, and the many friends, students, and co-workers in the Chattahoochee Valley area.
A private memorial service will take place this weekend. In lieu of flowers or food, please donate to the local office of Meals on Wheels via Task Force for Senior Citizens. P.O. Box 3455 in Phenix City, AL 36868.
