Gwendolyn Giles

Our precious Gwendolyn Samuel Giles affectionately called Gwen or Gwennie, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 10th.  To know Gwen was to love her.  She impacted the lives of many people through her kindness, generosity, encouragement, and loving spirit.  Her laughter was infectious and her smile would light up a room.  Gwen had a unique way of making everyone, even strangers feel like family.

Gwen was born on March 27, 1946, in Brooklyn NY, to the late Frederick W. Samuel and Ruby O. Samuel.  She was the second eldest child of four brothers and one sister Jasper, Frederick Jr, Anna-Rebecca, S. David, and Joseph.  She grew up in Brooklyn in a tight-knit loving family.  Her mother Ruby made certain all of her children were reared in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The family became faithful members of Deliverance Evangelistic Center Churches Inc. and flourished under the leadership of Apostle Arturo Skinner.  Here is where Gwen learned and honed her skills in becoming a fearless witness of Christ and fervent prayer warrior.  It is also here where she met her husband of 52 years Anthony Giles.

Gwen graduated from Eli Whitney Vocational High School in Brooklyn NY in 1963. After graduation, she began working as a beautician, until entering the world of banking.  Gwen worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where after 25 years of faithful service she retired.

In 1969 Gwen married Anthony Giles, and they moved to New Jersey. In 1972 they welcomed a beautiful daughter Valerie.  Although Gwen and Anthony only had one child, they had many spiritual children that affectionately called her Momma Giles. Gwen later became a member of Bronx Christian Ministries under the leadership of her brother Rev. S. David Samuel and then became a faithful member of Faith Fellowship World Outreach Ministries.

Gwen was a firm believer that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  She believed in witnessing to everyone the gospel of Jesus Christ and hosted frequent prayer meetings in her home. Her home was known as a house of prayer.  Gwen has been known to pray for or encourage strangers in supermarkets, gas stations, and even during her last days while at the hospital.  Gwen loved her family deeply.  She welcomed her son-in-love Chandler into the family with open arms and loved her two Grandsons CJ and Caleb with all of her heart.  Most importantly Gwen loved the Lord her God with all of her heart and soul.

Gwen was preceded in death by her sister Anna-Rebecca Samuel and two brothers S. David and Jasper Samuel. Left to cherish her memory, celebrate her life and continue her legacy are her devoted husband Anthony Giles, beloved daughter Valerie and son-in-love Chandler Fragé, two loving grandchildren Chandler Jr. (CJ) and Caleb; brothers, Frederick W. Samuel Jr. and Joseph Samuel(Marina), a host of loving in-laws who were like family, loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who have become family.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 19 from 10 am until the time of the service at 11 am at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenues in Long Branch. Entombment will follow at Holmdel Mausoleum in Holmdel. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

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