Life Reflections of Carolyn Louise Giles Burrell

Carolyn Louise Giles Burrell, the ninth child of Reverend Glenn H. Giles and Nettie Jeter Giles, was born on July 2,1932, in Chester County, South Carolina. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in the Blue Lake of her hometown, there by becoming a member of Mount Hopewell Baptist Church.

Carolyn's elementary and junior high education was completed in a two-room Crossroad Elementary School, where she laid the foundation for her academic journey. After her family relocated to York County, South Carolina, she graduated from Jefferson High School, where she distinguished herself as a star basketball player, often scoring thirty points or more in games, showcasing both her athletic talent and height.

She was affectionately known as Louise. She took a brief hiatus from her studies, and listening to Mom, asking, "When are you going to college?" She then entered Benedict College, Columbia, South Carolina, majoring in English and graduating. Now Louise was off to the BIG CITY of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, The Lucky Kid secured her first out of college job teaching English at Atkins High School. She taught in the Forsyth County School System for more than three decades as she earned respect from her students.

Carolyn was united in marriage to Hariston Burrell Jr, and together they welcomed their beloved daughter Francheria Burrell. Later, Carolyn joined Mount Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. K.O.P Goodwin, where she remained an active member, serving in various capacities: president of the Deaconess Board, member of the Miriam Group and Sunday School Class Number Six. She was also a dedicated member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, and a lifetime member of the Progressive Benedict College Alumni Association.

Family was always at the heart of Carolyn's life. She NEVER faltered to come to the aid of any family member.  Her passion for travel took her to beautiful destinations, including the Seven Virgin Islands where she cherished creating lasting memories with her loved ones.

Carolyn's hobbies included gardening, cooking, canning, sewing, fishing, and tutoring children, reflecting her nurturing spirit and commitment to community. The family often called on Carolyn for sound decisions because we knew, she was deep thinker: she was fair and non-judgmental. Throughout her illness she was not a complainer. Carolyn displayed remarkable resilience, maintaining her strength of character and love of Jesus Christ.

Carolyn Burrell's transition on March 21, 2025 has left a profound void in the Giles family. Carolyn was preceded in death by six brothers and five sisters: Melvin Giles, Lester Giles, Glenn H. Giles Jr. all of Sharon, South Carolina; Vernon Giles of Huntsville, Alabama; Rev. Fidi R. Giles of Taylor, South Carolina; Fred D. Giles of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Daisy Giles Burkins of McConnells, South Carolina, Evelyn Giles Hudnall of Heathsville, Virginia; Anita Giles Sawyer of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Mattie M. Giles Jones of Warsaw, Virginia and Lillie M. Giles of Brooklyn, New York.

Mrs. Burrell is survived by her devoted daughter of the home, Francheria Burrell; also her three sisters are left  to cherish fond memories: Sallie Giles Inman of Brooklyn, New York; Minnie Giles Long of Queens, New York, Irine Giles Durham of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; a sister-in-law, Gloria Giles of Taylor, South Carolina and a host of nieces, nephews, deaconesses, co-workers, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon Friday March 28, 2025 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am-12:00 noon at the church. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery

Services will be livestreamed at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/mount-zion-the-joy.