Obituary of Gloria Lily Widener Giles

Columbia - On Thursday, September 4, 2014 Gloria Lily Widener Giles, beloved matriarch of the Giles family, passed through the veil to her eternal life. Gloria was born on April 4, 1925 to Rudell Lamont Sullivan Widener and Robert Earl Widener, Sr. She attended the University of South Carolina where she met the love of her life, Robert "Bobby" Lee Giles, Sr. Gloria and Bobby were married on April 8, 1946 and remained together for over 69 years. They became parents to 5 children who were the center of their lives. Gloria was actively involved throughout her life and served in many positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she touched and influenced all who knew her. Gloria is survived by her husband Bobby Giles, Sr.; her 5 children and their spouses, Bobby Giles Jr. and Sherri, Dawn Giles Edwards and Johnny, Glenn Giles and Kathy, Mark Giles and Nancy, Jonathan Giles and Michelle. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren (plus 17 spouses); 54 great grandchildren; a sister, Betty Karvois; a brother and sister-in-law, Bobby Widener and Carolyn; and several nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2014 from 5:00-8:00PM at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Rd., Columbia, SC 29209. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, September 8, 2014 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4440 Fort Jackson Blvd., Columbia, SC 29209. Because Gloria was known for her love of hats and colors the family invites all women to wear a hat and bright colors to the funeral.