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Obituary For Clarisa Giles
On a night when the moon was the brightest it had been in a while, cousin Dorothy Lyles, age ten at the time, prayed and wished for the safe birth of a little baby Clarisa. She was truly ecstatic with the birth of Clarisa Williams Giles, born almost breech, but safely turned, on January 14th, 1953. Clarisa passed as peacefully as possible with her ever-present sister, Robin Dease by her side. She was joined by her eldest daughter, Lillian Giles, just minutes after her passing.
Clarisa was the daughter of Barbara Ellie Nesbit Williams and Clarence “Tug” Beaty Williams. “Tug’s” mama, midwife Francis Beaty, was the one who spotted Clarisa heading into the world in such a daring manner, feet first. And Francis would go on inspiring Clarisa into the field of nursing. Clarisa attended Tuskegee University for her undergraduate degree and continued on at their nursing school. She graduated first in her nursing school class. Clarisa went on to complete an internship in a state hospital in Baltimore, Maryland and promptly returned to South Carolina to enter the workforce. Clarisa’s career expanded as she pursued an M.F.A., into the field of home-health nursing as well as nursing administration. She also spent time as an elementary school nurse.
Clarisa married her childhood sweetheart, Leslie Ranauld Giles. Although they later divorced, she is survived by him and their three children, Lillian Janique Giles, Leslie Giles Jr. (predeceased), and Lauren Clarisa Giles. Clarisa moved to Florida with Leslie where they raised their three children and spent their fair share of time at the beach. She also has three grandchildren, Kahmari, Kairos, and Lakshmi. Clarisa remained close to her immediate family, including her sister Robin, her brothers, and her mother Barbara.
Clarisa was blessed with a heart of curiosity and traveled extensively. She loved traveling with her sister Robin, or friends, but she didn’t hesitate in exploring other cultures all on her own. Some of the countries she visited included: Australia, Thailand, and Africa. She also made regular trips to San Francisco to visit her oldest daughter.
Clarisa accepted Christ at a young age, had a rich spiritual life as God’s servant, and believed in angels without a doubt. She was a faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church during her youth, and First Baptist Church of Naples, while living in Florida. She also attended First Baptist Church of North Spartanburg after returning to South Carolina. In all the churches attended, Clarisa was a devoted member of the choir and often sang solos at her chosen church in Florida. She also participated in The Living Christmas Tree performances celebrating the birth of Christ for many years.
Those left to mourn her include: her sister, Robin Dease, who remained by her side through the almost seven years of Clarisa’s struggle to completely recover from bacterial meningitis. Her children, Lillian & Lauren. Her nieces, Amber Hawkins, Kaneisha Rakestraw, Sidett Richardson, Nyeisha Dease, and Tameka Evens. Her nephews, Quaylan and B.J. and a host of grand-nieces, grand-nephews, beloved cousins, friends, even more family, and a host of others.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC. Burial will be in the Heritage Memorial Gardens, Roebuck, SC.
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Padraic mullin sent Heartfelt Memories for Clarisa Giles - October 27, 2024
We are with you and your family now and there is so much love and support waiting for you in Michigan. Jenna and paddy, Tanisha and Reenie, Joe and Jason
5 Trees were planted in memory of Clarisa Giles - October 28, 2024
I am sadden to hear of Ms. Clarisa no longer being with us. But I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to meet her and develop a relationship with her and Lauren while doing your hair. WOW! I'm at a loss of words. Such a women smart classy lady full of knowledge. Rest on beautiful, With love Michelle Miller
My heartfelt condolences to Clarisa's family. May you find strength in the wonderful memories you share.
Jeanne Gallman Felder
Clarisa was a good friend and such a delight to be around. She will truly be missed me and others. Praying for the family and Robin and her girls.
Latorie (Whipple) Billingsley and family send our sincerest condolences. Ms. Clarissa was such a beautiful soul and she will be missed. Rest in love, peace, and power.
Clarisa was my gym buddy at SMC, and I think we spent more time talking and sharing than we did exercising. I lost connection with Clarisa after she retired, and I truly regret that I didn't know about her health struggles. She spoke of her family often and I know she loved everyone so very much. She never complained and she saw a solution to every ordeal that presented itself no matter how complicated. She was a blue diamond in a glass jar that truly shined. Praying for the family - especially her children and Mother. Margie Evett, Associate at Spartanburg Medical Center.
To the family of Clarisa Giles may God comfort and keep you during this difficult time.
David and Sherrie Holliday
Sweet Clarisa will be sorely missed by the Brewton - Tucker family. She was an inspiration and joy to each of us in so many large and small ways. Clarisa was an extremely kind, generous, loving, funny, light of any party and such a delight to be around. We are keeping Lillian, Robin and William and the Dease Family in special prayer of comfort. Love Dorothea and Rupert and family
Praying for the family and friends. Shared memories: I really enjoyed spending the day with her at work and loved our road trips talks. We Love you Clarisa! Schenell and Shalynn
Praying for the family
Clarisa will truly be missed. She was such a beautiful and fun loving person who taught us such wisdom on our nursing team. My prayers and thoughts are with her family. Paula Poplin
Little by little, we let go of loss...but never of love. We love you Clarisa and you will always be remembered. Monica
I will never forget what a beautiful person Clarisa was.It was an honor to work for her and I still carry in my heart the lessons she passed on to me. She was kind, understanding, thoughtful and funny along with so hard working and dedicated.May God bless Clarisa and help her family find comfort in knowing she was truly loved. Karen Wippel
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
