Eugenia J. Giles

Eugenia J. Giles, beloved wife, mother, and educator, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024, at the age of 94. Born on January 1, 1930, in Union Springs, Alabama, she was the daughter of Iris Self and Clara Pauline (Barclay) Johnson. Eugenia's journey through life was marked by her unwavering dedication to family, education, and community.

Eugenia graduated from Cleburne County High School in 1947 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from the University of Alabama in 1950. Shortly after, on September 19, 1950, she married her loving husband, Glyn Giles, in Heflin, Alabama. The couple moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1953.

She began her teaching career in Alabama, serving as a Home Economics teacher in Ranburne from 1950 to 1952 and then in Anniston from 1952 to 1953. After relocating to New Mexico, she continued her passion for education at Albuquerque High School from 1953 to 1956. Following her teaching career, she devoted herself to working alongside Glyn in the family business.

Eugenia was an active member of her community, serving as treasurer of the Albuquerque Chapter of the Junior League for two years and as president of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority Chapter of Albuquerque. Her leadership and commitment to service left a significant impact on those around her.

She and Glyn shared a love for life, enjoying activities such as golf, reading, and skiing together. In recognition of their vibrant personalities and contributions to the community, they were featured in Woman's Day magazine on March 3, 1987.

Eugenia is remembered as a nurturing mother to her two children, Glenda Jean, born on October 6, 1956, and Paul Barclay, born on July 28, 1958. Her legacy of love, kindness, and strength will endure through her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Glyn; and survived by her children, Glenda and Paul; her grandchildren Barclay Giles, Mary Jane Morris, her grand-daughter-in-law Misty Giles as well as a host of friends and family who will cherish her memory. A celebration of Eugenia's life will be held at FRENCH-Lomas on Monday December 9th at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Eugenia's memory, honoring her enduring commitment to children and community service.

Eugenia Giles will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched throughout her remarkable life.