1958
2025
Marion Mariecia Harris Giles, age 66 and affectionately known to close family and friends as “Risa”, was gifted her heavenly wings to go to her eternal home on July 22, 2025.
Marion was born August 8, 1958, to the late Emanual and Louvenia Marie Harris of Claystreet Road, Ford, VA. Marion accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Mount Zion Church, where she was an active member of the Usher’s Ministry, the Women’s Ministry, and the Youth Ministry. She loved her church and church family. She even traveled regularly to be at church after moving to Fredericksburg in 2001. She remained a faithful member until recently when her health quickly declined.
Marion graduated in the Class of 1976 from Dinwiddie County High School. While managing the rigors of work and raising a family, she went on to earn her Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University in 2002.
Over more than 40 years, Marion worked for the United States Department of Defense. As a Federal Government employee, Marion worked in the intelligence and security communities, and she graduated from a number of Executive Leadership Programs. She was a member of a number of federal employee organizations. And she also worked for seven years as a government contractor for Booz Allen Hamilton.
Marion is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Jerome K. Giles of Fredericksburg, VA, son, Dietrich D. Giles of Alexandria, VA, daughter, Demetria R. Giles of Nashville, TN, and loving grandson, Justice Santiago of Nashville, TN.
As an only child, Marion was fortunate to have foster sisters Aretha Barber (Troy), Tonya Tillerson (Jamaal) and brothers Joe Crews (Judy) and Antonio Crews. They grew up together in a loving home and cared deeply for one another. The bond between them is still ever present and forever more.
In addition, Marion leaves to cherish her memories two brothers-in-law, John Giles and Herbert Hicks; four sisters-in-law, Joyce Hicks, Dorothy Thompkins, Eleanor Anderson, and Mary Giles; along with a host of devoted cousins, nieces, nephews, work colleagues and friends
The Funeral Service will be held 1pm, Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at Third Baptist Church, 550 Farmer St. Petersburg, VA. The burial will follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park, 7324 Church Road, Petersburg, VA.
Public viewing will be held ONLY on Monday, July 28, 2025 from 4-7 pm, where the family will also receive friends during that time.
There will be no public viewing on the day of the service.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the professional staff-Petersburg Chapel-Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Services, 530 S. Sycamore Street, Petersburg, VA 23803 (804)863-4411 www.johnsonservices.us
Michael and Shirdine Harris
July 30, 2025
So sorry for your loss and may God gives your family comfort and strength
The Graves Family
July 29, 2025
Wishing you peace, comfort, and strength during this incredibly difficult time.
Tempril Moore
July 29, 2025
Ms. Marion was very kind and easy to talk to. I was guaranteed to see a smile when I saw her in the office! Sending prayers of peace and comfort to the family.
Joy Doby
July 29, 2025
A beautiful soul has gone home to be with our Lord. Marion’s light will forever shine and her spirit within our heart.
Felicia Wyatt
July 29, 2025
I have known Marion for over 30 years. She was one of the first people to befriend me when I started my career at Fort Lee as a young woman. Her friendship and guidance have remained unwavering over the years. Although we didn't talk as often once she moved, we always remained in touch and always picked up wherever we left off. Rest easy, my friend! You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. To the family: you were the most important part of Marion's life. Always cherish the memories and may you find comfort and peace in those memories.
DEBORA E THOMPSON
July 29, 2025
Blessings To You Jerome and Your Family Members
Desiree Nock
July 29, 2025
My condolences to the family. She was my classmate, Class of 1976, Dinwiddie Co. Sr. High School. You will be missed!
❤
Jacqueline Honor
July 28, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Giles family, you are in my prayers. I will miss Marion as she was a light in my day!
Karen Clark
July 28, 2025
Risa,
You will truly be missed. Those days of fun and getting into trouble are etched in my mind to remind me of the fun we had. The family time that you, Tanya, Tremoyne, Joe, Antonio and I had are priceless. Thank you, cousin for being apart of your life. God speed
Rev. Karen Clark-Richmond, Va
Paulette Claiborne
July 28, 2025
My deepest condolences on the loss of your wife, mother, sister, family member and friend. I have fond childhood memories of time spent with Risa and her family in their home. She was a beautiful Soul. As you celebrate her life, may fond memories of her bring you comfort.
Eartha Thompson
July 28, 2025
Jerome and Family,
We are sorry to hear of your wife and mother's passing. May God wrap his arms around you and give you comfort during your time of bereavement.
Tracy Lee
July 28, 2025
I appreciate the kindness that I was shown each time I visited her home. You can tell alot about a person when you visit their home and they share their space with kindness not as a task. She will be missed.
Timothy Elmore
July 28, 2025
My condolences to Marion's family and friends, DCHS 1976 classmate.
Donna Maxey
July 28, 2025
Marion was a great person to work with. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a great laugh. I will miss her dearly. She often mentioned her grandson and how close they were. Her face would light up with the mere mention of him. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, God's child.
Maxine ROYAL
July 28, 2025
Prayers and condolences to the family. My heart is saddened by her passing .
Laura Bauer
July 28, 2025
I had the pleasure of knowing Marion through our work together at DCSA. We shared a few meals during offsites and I always enjoyed chatting with her. She often mentioned her grandson in our conversations and the joy she found in spending time with family. My prayers for peace and comfort are with Marion's loved ones during this very sad time. Rest in peace, daughter of God.
Anthony Worshan
July 28, 2025
My Condolences and deepest sympathies to the Family
Debra Talley
July 27, 2025
My dearest Resa and my sister during our childhood we were the cousins who stayed together and prayed together. I call us the CLAY STREET GIRLS. We had so much fun. She was definitely a praying warrior and a child of God. He picked a beautiful “ROSE”
Rest in Peace my Sister. I love you “Debbie”
Wanda/Aaron Baugh
July 27, 2025
Continue. Sharing time with Risa and Justice at Golden Corral and playing uno even though Justice won was very enjoyable and playing Family Feud game with All the family was very memorable Risa was so much like her mother who loved entertaining the family. Keeping close knit. Risa and Jerome was very supportive to my sons graduation education advice, overseas tour adventure and Amyway sells. Often we would just give each other a call to just check in love you proud to be your cousin. JEROME DIETRICH DEMETRIA JUSTICE AND FAMILY YOU HAVE MY CONDOLENCES. WANDA/AARON. BRENTON/COREY (HAMLIN) BAUGH
Wanda/Aaron Baugh
July 27, 2025
OH MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY RISA WILL BE MISSED HOWEVER MEMORIES WILL LAST FOREVER . WE GREW UP NEXT DOOR LIKE SISTERS.SHE WAS EITHER AT OUR HOUSECOR WE WERE AT HERS PARENTS DIDNT LET US GO WE MET AT THE FENCE IN BETWEEN. KIDS LIFE played jackrocks kickball hop scotch and over annie YOUTH LIFE bingo riding bus 4-H club event fair festivals met at the fence. STUDENTS LIFE ROAD TO FOOTBALL GAMES DANCES ,MALL SHOPPING EATING. CHURCH LIFE. MEMBER OF SAME CHURCH HER MOM,DAD OUR MOM,DAD AND CHILLENS Mount Zion Baptist Church as stated in obituaries . ADULT LIFE CHRISTMAS CELBRATION. MARY KAY PRESENTATIONS . EATING MEETING CELEBRATING our August birthday After homecoming service 2nd Sunday in August last two years playing games and having fun reminiscing.
Beatrice Head
July 27, 2025
My sincere condolences Jerome and family. Hold onto God’s unchanging hands.
John m porter
July 27, 2025
To,Jerome and Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers so sorry to hear about your loss. She was a lovely person. We enjoyed seeing you too together a beautiful couple. My God bless each of you. With deepest sympathy. The Porter Family
Carolyn Birchette
July 26, 2025
Praying that the Peace of the Lord be with the family, loved ones and friends of Marion Always .
Carolyn Goodwyn Birchette
Angelique S. Gilliam
July 26, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Tracie Green
July 26, 2025
I have had the blessing of knowing the Giles family through my dear friend Demetria. Over the years, we’ve shared meaningful moments—especially during Thanksgivings and visits to Las Vegas.
Please accept my deepest condolences. Our family wraps our arms around you in love and support during this time.
We were all gifted the opportunity to experience Ms. Marion’s radiant spirit her energy left a glow that will remain with us always.
Felicia Johnson
July 26, 2025
I will miss our discussion and conversation on DoD; now she is in a better place. sleep on in paradise my dearest Friend.
V/r Felicia Johnson
Terry Perot
July 26, 2025
I am very sorry for your loss. I wish you peace and love in your remembrance of the happiness Ms. Marion brought to you. Even though she is no longer with you physically, she will always remain in your hearts forever.
Andrea Brett
July 26, 2025
It was a pleasure and honor to work with Marion. She was an uplifting, gentle, and diligent colleague. I also remember her love for her family and how she enjoyed time with her grandchildren. Praying for the family and friends to have peace and comfort.
Dea. Anita B. Drumgoole
July 26, 2025
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. So sorry for our loss, she is in God's presence. Class of '76.
.
Reba Simmons
July 25, 2025
Ms Marion always a very down to earth classy. I met Marion SMDC, Crystal City. Marion enjoyed her job and the long commute to Crystal City and Pentagon! Marion love to smile and speak any mean flu words about no person.
Tracy Lee
July 25, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Bobby & Sharon Brown
July 25, 2025
Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with the family. Our hearts are truly broken. May God bless you all (especially Marion's husband Jerome, her children, Dee & Demitrius, and her grandchild) and provide you with peace, strength and comfort during this difficult time. Marion was a great friend and person overall throughout the years. She will truly be missed, but we thank God for allowing her to come into our lives and be a part of us. We are tremendously thankful and truly blessed to have known her and for the many great memories we created and now have to cherish. Marion will forever remain in our hearts and will be thought of often. We loved Marion, but God loved her more. Rest in Peace, my friend! Jerome, Dee, and Demetrius, we are here for you and grieving right along with you! Love you all forever! God Bless!
Pauline Tonsil
July 25, 2025
In loving memory of my dearest friend and a wonderful person. Me and my family will continue to love you and we will miss you always. Our prayers are with your family in these difficult times.
Karon Smith Torrence
July 25, 2025
Marion - always a quiet and peaceful spirit is what I remember from our school bus rides. Now, she rest eternally in the peace and arms of our Savior. My prayers are with you family. Karon Smith Torrence
Ray Campbell
July 25, 2025
So sorry to hear this. Marion and I worked together at DCSA and I had the pleasure of spending time with her and working alongside her. A wonderful lady and a blessing to all those she was around. May the Lord sustain you as you navigate this challenging time.
JK
July 25, 2025
It was a pleasure to work with Marion as a federal employee. Always a class act, always respectful, and always a calming presence in service to those around her. She will be missed, but not forgotten.
Karen & LA Eubanks
July 25, 2025
Jerome & Family: We're so sorry for your loss and pray you find strength in prayer. Marion was a kind, caring, and smart soul and always provided me her patience. She provided me a positive and well dressed role model as I transitioned to civilian life. I'll always be grateful for her friendship and support for more than 20 years. Warmest hugs.
Lisa Thomas
July 24, 2025
Mrs. Giles will truly be missed! She was always a kind, warm, and genuine person! Was always so refreshing to see her! My prayers and condolences to her husband, children, family, and friends! ❤
Geraldine Winn
July 24, 2025
My prayers are with you and the family l
Robert Crenshaw
July 24, 2025
So sorry to hear of your loss, our condolences and prayers go out to the family. Robert and Pat Crenshaw.
Wanda Henderson Jarrett
July 24, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Remembering the good times we had together in school, class reunions and on the phone. Tears we shared together and birthday days too. I will miss you but in heart I’ll always remember the love and good times. RIP MY FRIEND!!❤❤
D. C. H. S. ........
July 23, 2025
Our sincere condolences to Marion's husband and children.
CLASS OF '76
Glo
July 23, 2025
Jerome, DD, Demerria, I'm so sorry for your hurting hearts right now. But, remembering the good times together will ease your pain and make you smile again .
RIP Risa.
Cousin, Neighbor, Friend
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