Charlotte’s Obituary Charlotte Emma Giles, D.M., retired Professor of Music at WVSU, passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 6:05 p.m. at Hubbard Hospice House West. Charlotte was an only child who was preceded in death by her parents, The Reverend Samuel Hopkins Giles and Phozie Dawson Giles. Dr. Charlotte E. Giles was a native of Atlanta, Georgia, but resided in West Virginia more than forty plus years.
She received an early education in Atlanta; her Baccalaureate degree from Fisk University in Nashville, TN; her Masters in Music degree and Doctor of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Indiana University. Charlotte excelled on all levels of her education and received numerous awards, recognitions and accolades throughout her career. During her six plus years at WVSU, she was Professor of Music, Department Chair, Coordinator of Commencements, convocations and special programs.
Other professional experiences include music faculty at Florida A&M and Knoxville College; pianist accompanist for the symphony, and Commissioner for various councils and tasks forces. Dr. Giles was the first concert pianist to appear on stage at the Cultural Center during the opening ceremonies and for its tenth anniversary. In recognition for her professional achievements, Dr. Giles was granted a fellowship by the National Endowment for the Humanities to study at the University of Illinois and a grant from NEA to study in Washington, D.C. After forty plus years of dedicated service, she retired from West Virginia State University.
In 1963, she was initiated into the Tallahassee Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Charlotte joined the Charleston-Institute Alumnae Chapter, where she remained a faithful member to her organization. Affectionately referred to as Soror Giles, she engaged in providing musical selections for many sorority events. Charlotte had a keen ear and ensured when she was playing, the Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. stayed on key.
Charlotte loved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and they loved her back! Special thanks to those who attended to her well-being and comfort: her friends, beloved neighbor, the EMT’s, the staff of Hubbard Hospice House West for their care and efforts on her behalf; the family and many friends as well who watched over her and wished her well. Special thank you to Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, WV and Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, West End, Atlanta, GA.
A scholarship has been established in her name, Dr. C. E. Giles Memorial Scholarship Fund. Contributions may be made payable to the WVSU Foundation and by placing Dr. C.E. Giles Memorial Scholarship in the memo section of the check. The mailing address is WVSU Foundation, P. O. Box 1000/East Hall, Institute, WV 25112.
Or you may wish to make a contribution to Hubbard Hospice House West, 4605 MacCorkle Ave. SW, South Charleston, WV 25309, in her name. Services will include a “Reception of Reflections” on the campus of West Virginia State University in the Davis Fine Arts Building, on Monday, February 11, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Dr. Giles funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, located at 1108 2nd Ave, Charleston, WV 25302.
Interment will be on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in South-View Cemetery, located at 1990 Jonesboro Road, S.E. Atlanta, GA, 30315.
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