Marilyn Giles Young

Charlotte - Marilyn Miller Giles Young passed away Friday morning, August 30, 2013 at her home in Mint Hill, NC, after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer. Marilyn was born February 13, 1924 in Winston-Salem, NC.

She was married and devoted to Warren Thomas Giles, Jr. "Bus" from 8/12/1943 until his death in 1995. During WWII, she worked for the War Department, then she and Bus relocated to Charlotte, where she later retired from Charlotte Memorial Hospital (CMC).

Marilyn was also preceded in death by her second husband, Charles R. Young.

Her greatest passion was her family. She possessed amazing inner-strength, patience, grace and constant cheerfulness. Her capacity for abundant love was infectious, and always brought a smile to those around her. She loved Bus's habit of waking her up in the middle of the night suggesting they pack up the six kids and head to the beach or to the mountains - and she was always game to go. Although she was petrified of the water and couldn't swim, she was also happy sharing his love of boating and being on the water.

After her children were grown, she volunteered her time to Crisis Assistance Ministry for many years, sewing clothes for women in need. An active member of Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, she taught Sunday school and was a member of Women's Circle #2.

Marilyn was an avid reader of a wide variety of books, her favorite being The Bible. She also loved books about history, books about the South, mysteries, and books about animals. She enjoyed singing, sewing, cooking, gardening, the Sunday crossword puzzle, and one of her natural talents - drawing and sketching. She loved animals, especially dogs, who were always a part of her life. Perhaps because she was part of The Greatest Generation, she had a true love and appreciation for our country and took pride in keeping up with current affairs, always having a keen interest and concern for friends, neighbors, and our country's future.

She embraced life with energy and determination, and met the challenge of her diagnosis and treatment of cancer with the same determination, telling her doctors that her goal was to reach the age of 100. She handled her outcome with dignity and grace, accepting the hand dealt her, and meeting it head on, never complaining. Being fiercely independent, she frequently apologized for any inconvenience her illness caused others, never realizing that caring for her was an honor.

"Mom" will be missed by all who loved and cherished her. We have been so blessed to have been the focus of her life. We thank God for the gift of time we were given to spend with her as she prepared for her final journey through the gates of Eternal Life.

Marilyn is survived by her six children and their spouses: Patricia Rhodes of Tryon, NC; Lynne Greenoe and husband George, of Charlotte; Beverly Berling and husband Carl, of Charlotte; Mike Giles and wife Karen Pappas, of Hampstead, NC; Alan Giles and wife Amy, of Gastonia, NC; and Barbara Kern of Roanoke, Virginia. In addition, she is survived by ten grandchildren and their spouses: Ross Slayton, and wife Janet of Mill Spring, NC; Tradd Slayton of Charlotte; Leslie Berling of Raleigh, NC; George Greenoe, III and wife Karen of Charlotte, Shannon Rhodes, of Forest City, NC, Grant Rhodes of Forest City, NC, Emily Lehman and husband Philip of Durham, NC, Molly Giles of Durham, NC; Lauren Stanley and husband Drew of Boone, NC; and Meghan Kern of Richmond, Virginia. Also surviving are four great-grandchildren: Mason, Ariana and Dayvon Rhodes, and Anna Giles Lehman. Marilyn's one brother, Hope Miller, resides in Thurmont, Maryland. She also leaves behind her beloved and devoted companion, her little dog, Bailey.

With deep appreciation, we, Marilyn's family, extend our love and heartfelt thanks to the Angels Caregiving "Angels", who took such tender loving care of our Mom and of our family during her illness: Nancy Whitley, Emily Grimes, Stacey King, Cissie Poore and Cassidy Smith.

A service celebrating the life of Marilyn Giles Young will be held Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, 11501 Bain School Road, Mint Hill, NC, followed by interment at Sharon Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:45 pm in the rotunda at the church prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crisis Assistance Ministry, 500-A Spratt Street, Charlotte, NC 28205, or to Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, 11501 Bain School Road, Mint Hill, NC, 28227.