Dr. Mattie Elizabeth Giles

Dr. Mattie Elizabeth Giles peacefully transitioned this earthly life and was ushered into the presence of God on Friday, February 13, 2026, after a brief illness. Mattie was born in Monroe, North Carolina on May 2,1937.  She was one of four girls born to Willie and Ruth Giles of Kannapolis. Mattie was preceded in death by her parents; and her sisters, Bernice Powers (Bill) and Vivian Chambers (Julius).       
                    
Mattie was a member of First Baptist Church East in Kannapolis where, as a child, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savoir. Her humble beginnings and Christian upbringing were the springboard for a successful life and brilliant career. She grew up in a structured environment where education was emphasized and embraced. Mattie and all of her siblings went on to receive higher education degrees.

Mattie graduated from George Washington Carver School, where she also received her foundation and love for education. She graduated from North Carolina Central University, majoring in Sociology.  She earned her Master of Science from Howard University and a Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies in Human Resources from the University of Maryland. She received her Doctor of Education degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institution and State University specializing in Human Resources Development, and Higher Education Administration and Supervision. Mattie was one of the first African Americans to graduate from Virginia Polytechnic with a PhD.

Dr. Giles was recognized internationally as a leader in the field of Social Work. She was actively involved in the Peace Corps; and spent three weeks each year in the Caribbean Islands and Central America as a member of a training team for Research on Families and Substance Abuse. She was Professor Emerita with the Urban Affairs, Social Science and Social Work Department at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC. She served as Adjunct Professor in the College of Human Ecology at the University of Maryland; George Mason’s University’s Social Work Program; and, in the Continuing Studies Program at Georgetown University. She taught Ethics at the University of the District of Columbia’s Continuing Education Department. These are only some of her accomplishments.

Mattie traveled extensively abroad to Africa and Asia. She was a connoisseur of fine art; and amassed a collection of artifacts, such as paintings, tapestries, furniture, and collectibles from her travels. Mattie also enjoyed attending the CIAA Basketball Tournament and rooting for her favorite team (the NCCU Eagles) while networking with family and old friends. Mattie never met a stranger. She was a favored aunt, friend, and surrogate mother to many. She blessed her nieces and nephews with love, wisdom, and encouragement. She demonstrated her love to family in many generous and tangible ways.

Services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Clark Funeral Home Chapel, 923 Indiana St. Kannapolis, NC.  Visitation will be 12:00 - 1:00 PM with services at 1:00 PM.   Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park.

Her legacy will continue to shine through the many lives that she touched, nurtured, and inspired. She will be sorely missed. She leaves to cherish her memory, her sister, Sandra Giles; her nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and a host of friends.

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