BESSIE M. BESS GILES

During a remarkable, accomplished life that spanned more than a century, Bessie M. Bess Giles was a first-hand witness to decades of American history – from the deprivation caused by the Great Depression and Jim Crow racism intended to diminish Black lives to the triumphs of space travel and the election of the first Black American president; from Model Ts to electric cars; from pay phones to cell phones and the internet – she saw all of that and more. American history she undoubtedly shared with students as a dedicated teacher. As a teacher, mentor and role model who selflessly uplifted others, Bessie leaves her own extraordinary history.

Bessie Bess was born September 1,1921 in Houston Texas to Frank and Bertha Shields Bess, one of four children that included her twin sister, Birdie, older brother, Frank, and older sister, Olivia. When their parents died at an early age, Bessie and her siblings were raised by Jennie Shields, their maternal grandmother.

In her youth, Bessie enjoyed styling hair and thought she wanted to be a beautician. However, by the time she finished high school she had decided on a teaching career. She received her B.S. degree and master’s in education from Prairie View A & M University, the first state supported university for African Americans and second oldest public institution of higher learning in Texas.

In 1948, she married the love of her life, Marcellus Lonnie Giles, and put down roots in San Antonio. In 1969, they moved to Ogden, Utah when Marcellus received a job transfer to the Clearfield Job Corps Center. While he was teaching vocational classes, she was laying a strong scholastic foundation for elementary school children. Bessie said they rarely spent a day apart because they were “perfectly matched”. In addition to their passion for education, the couple shared a love of travel, playing dominoes and bridge, which they often enjoyed with many of their friends and relatives. Bessie, a champion bridge player, belonged to Bridge Club Saturday Morning and My Dear Bridge Club. She taught the card game to others well into her 90s.

After Marcellus’ death in 1989, Bessie returned to San Antonio, which she considered “home”, and continued to teach children. She often said a career in education was one of the best decisions she ever made because she “ate, talked and dreamed” teaching. Over a career that spanned 38 years, Bessie loved shaping young minds, and she said her goal was “ always to see some improvement” in each of her students. She was well known for perusing educational manuals for innovative ideas, purchasing supplies with her own money and setting up “learning centers” in her classroom. She was rewarded with accolades from parents and principals alike.

Baptized at age 10, Bessie was as devoted to her church as she was to her classrooms. In her early years, she taught Sunday School, volunteered as Sunday school secretary and sang in the choir. In San Antonio, as an active member of Second Baptist Church, she participated in the Martin Luther King Service Guild, WMU-Earnest Workers Circle and Women’s Missionary.

Bessie believed strongly in community service. She was also a member of Progressive Women’s Club and a steadfast, enthusiastic advocate of Delta Sigma Theta – her beloved sorority. She reveled in being celebrated as a member of Delta DEARS (Dedicated Energetic Active Respected Sorors) and, in 2008, she was deeply honored when the national organization recognized her for fifty years of service as a soror.

Bessie talked often about her generation and expressed pride and gratitude for the achievements of the “Greatest Generation” of African Americans despite the Depression, a world war, and rampant racism. Family and friends shared that pride in 2011 when Bessie and her oldest living relative, Carrie Bess Matthews Walker, celebrated together their 90th and 92nd birthdays, respectively. On that day, no one could have imagined there would be so much more to celebrate. A decade later, In 2021, City of San Antonio Mayor, Ron Nirenberg, the San Antonio City Council and a legion of family and friends recognized Bessie on her 100th birthday. On September 1, 2022, another milestone was celebrated when she turned 101.

Bessie will be remembered for her deep faith in God, dedication to family, intelligence, sharp wit, warm, welcoming personality and enormous kindness. Although never a mother biologically, she mothered many with her immense wisdom, unfaltering generosity and a delicious pot of oxtail stew. She expected nothing in return, but a plate of barbecue and a Dr. Pepper soda were always welcomed.

Bessie’s siblings, Frank Bess, Olivia Bess Sawyer and Birdie Bess Coleman, and her cousin, Carrie Bess Matthews Walker, preceded her in death. Carrie also lived to 100.

Bessie departed this life on Sunday, September 25, 2022. She leaves to cherish her memory her cousins, Barbara Godwin, Mary Stiles and Wilma Walker of Santa Maria, CA; Jessie Matthews-Spencer of Pahrump, NV; Edker Matthews of Gig Harbor, WA; Patricia Mathews of Las Vegas, NV; her nieces, Vicki Giles Fabré and Micki Giles Flowers of Seattle, WA; Kathlyn Giles Stewart of Minneapolis, MN; her nephew, Corles Giles of Houston, TX and a multitude of other family members and friends.

Deepest gratitude is expressed to friends, Lizzie Jewel Barefield, Deborah Pledger, Debbie Hamilton and Shewanda and Jerome Blackman; cousins, Edward and Deniesa Giles, Pressley Giles and the late Jimmie Giles; and members of Second Baptist Church and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for the extra special care and attention they gave Bessie in her final years.

There is no death! The stars go down

To rise upon some other shore,

And bright in heaven's jeweled crown

They shine for evermore