Cecile "Jewel" Marks Giles

Cecile “Jewel” Marks Giles, also known as “Judy” by her family, of Emerald Isle, NC passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. 

She was born on November 18, 1943, in Pender County, NC, the daughter of the late Cecile Winfield Marks and Vergie Waller Marks.   Cecile was also preceded in death by her three sisters, Dorothy Parker Marks, Donnie Marks Brown and Virginia Marks Binford.

Jewel was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Waynesboro, Va and of Morehead, NC where she was always active in serving her church and community.  She was a graduate with a BS degree in Education at Campbell College.  After college she taught World Geography and US History at several schools, including her first teaching job at Atkinson High School in Atkinson, NC.  After leaving Atkinson High School, Jewel taught at Sunset Jr High School in Wilmington, St. Andrews Catholic School in Waynesboro, Va, Kate Collins Junior High School and then at Waynesboro High School until retirement.  Cecile loved teaching and she loved her students. 

Surviving to cherish her memory is her devoted husband of 60 years, Schuyler Martin Giles of the home; son Stephen Marks Giles of Waynesboro, Va.; daughter Stephanie Giles Carter of Emerald Isle; grandsons Joshua Avington Giles, Joseph Benjamin Carter and granddaughter Schuyler Elizabeth Carter; sister Peggie Marks Rodgers; numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends that loved Jewel dearly.

Jewel was a loving wife and caring mother, grandmother and sister who loved with all her heart.  She was a woman of uncommon character, beauty and grace; an instrument of God’s love on this earth.  Being an avid gardener, Jewel was known for her beautiful flower arrangements she created for so many people. She was a member of Waynesboro Garden Club and Emerald Isle Garden Club.   Jewell was a giver and a nurturer. She was always there for others and always put others before herself.  Judy was always a family supporter and the most positive person one could ever know.  No matter what the situation, she would always look for the best in it.  She was one of a kind, full of love and compassion for others.  Jewell will surely be missed but treasured memories of her will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, Morehead City at 1604 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557.  A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.     

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation through this link:  https://curecca.link/JewelMarksGiles.

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Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wallace, NC is serving the Giles family. 

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