Mary Nell Giles

Mary Nell Morrison Giles of Dallas, TX passed away on November 5, 2022, at the age of 92. Mary Nell never met a stranger, cared for everyone she met, and shared the story about Jesus daily.

Mary Nell was born in Gruver, Texas July 31,1930 to Leo and Dora Morrison during the dust bowl era. She grew up on a farm with a loving family that were active members of the First Baptist Church in Gruver. After accepting the Lord Jesus as her savior, she heard a missionary from Nigeria speak at age nine and felt the call to become a missionary.

Upon graduation from Hardin Simmons University, Mary Nell began teaching school and then decided to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth. While there she re-connected with a friend from college, James Giles. They fell in love and shared their passion to serve God in their careers. They married July 30, 1954 and began a life of adventure. She taught school in Sherman, TX while James pastored and continued his theological studies. In 1958 they were appointed as Baptist missionaries by the Foreign Mission Board, now the International Mission Board.

Mary Nell's ministry in Colombia at the Seminario Bautista was fruitful. She became known as "DONﬞ A MARIA". She and James established churches, raised four children, and taught classes on cooking, sewing, and early childhood development. She loved her Colombian orchids, taking pictures, and connecting with people. Mary Nell taught by example being the hands and feet of Jesus. We will never know how many people she touched by telling them about Jesus. Her memoir My Story published in 2019 documents the life of a faithful servant.

After their retirement, Mary Nell became a full time grandmother, her second favorite job. She supported James in his work as a Chaplain at the Richardson Hospital, many times ministering and praying with him for the needs of others.

Mary Nell is survived by her husband James Giles, and 2 sisters Melba Morrison Rasor, and Ruth Morrison Rasor. Her 4 children David Giles and Cynthia, Karen Giles Clark and Tom , Gary Giles and Cara, Debbie Giles Webb and Ronnie, grandchildren: Holden Giles, Harrison Giles, Lindsey Clark Orihuela and Rob Orihuela, Spencer Clark and Kayla, Caroline Giles Auer and Jeremiah Auer, Chase Giles and Demeris, Matthew Webb and Rosemary, Michael Webb and Laura, Mitchell Webb, great grandchildren: Lionel, Mae, and Freddie Orihuela, Kate, Eliza and Teddy Clark, Annie and Norah Webb.

Mary Nell is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Harvey Morrison. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to your local church missions offering.