Obituary of Malvie Lee Giles

Malvie Lee Giles, a true songbird of praises to God, was promoted to the heavenly choir on Saturday, November 10, 2018.  Born January 8, 1928, Malvie was one of two children born to Henry and Daisy McCray Johnson in Magnolia, Columbia County, Arkansas. 

Malvie Giles was a powerhouse, excelling in every facet of her life, from humble beginnings as valedictorian of her Columbia High School Class in Magnolia, AR to attaining her B.A. from Los Angeles State University and two Master’s degrees in Elementary Education and Administration from UCLA!  She believed in education and was a principal in the Englewood, CA school district before returning home to Arkansas. 

She was a woman of great faith, working diligently in her church community wherever she was. She served in the Cornerstone Baptist Church in California, then St John Baptist Church, Little Rock, before returning to her beloved Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Magnolia, AR.  She toiled tirelessly as a minister of music, Bible teacher, workshop facilitator, prison ministry member, and world traveled missionary.  She traveled to Africa twelve times, visiting eight different countries.  She was active in church leadership and conferences. She was even bestowed an honorary doctorate degree from Arkansas Baptist College. 

Dr. Giles never said no to a request for her presence to sing or whatever task was requested of her in building God’s kingdom. She sang for governors and presidents, television appearances and commercials. She stood as long as she had the strength to do so, with a big beautiful smile on her face. And now she has transitioned to her reward. She will long be missed and her memory cherished by her nieces, nephews, cousins and a great host of friends.