Sue Giles

Sue Ellen Giles of Pensacola, formally of Lillian, Alabama was called to heaven on Tuesday, September 29, 2020.

Born April 16, 1950, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, she was the daughter of Richard and Clotilda Lauer. On September 3, 1985 in Basel, Switzerland she was married to James P. Giles who predeceased her December 24, 2004. In 1972 Sue Ellen decided to move to Atlanta then to San Diego where she was a property manager and leasing agent. She then decided she wanted a larger adventure and decided to travel to Europe. After falling in love with Europe she decided to settle in Germany working as an English teacher in a German school. While living in Germany she met her husband James (Jim) P. Giles. They married a year later and traveled to multiple other European countries together. Due to Jim’s military career, they moved from Germany to Kwajalein, Marshal Islands, where she worked as a Computer Programmer. After leaving Kwajalein, they moved back to Europe landing in Berlin, where she was able to witness the Berlin Wall fall, thus giving the opportunity to visit the former (USSR) communist counties. Upon retirement, they decided to settle in Huntsville, Alabama. After a few years, they grew restless and decided sold their home and bought a motor home to travel the continental United States where she was able to visit 49 states. While on the road she became a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer where she helped in Guam and Puerto Rico. She was one of the first volunteers sent to New York and the Pentagon after 9/11. After traveling, they decided to settle in Lillian, Alabama, where they continued to travel and volunteer.

Sue Ellen enjoyed the outdoors along with outdoor sports. She enjoyed traveling, art (watercolors to be specific) along with gardening, crocheting, and making jewelry, but most of all, she loved to read. She would say that she reads like most watch TV. She continued to enjoy meditation, Feng-Shui, and learning all the newest technologies until her death.

Sue Ellen was a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), Spanish Cove Gardening Club, along with many other local Spanish Cove club.

Surviving are her two grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Mangiero of Pasadena, Maryland, and J.P (Stasia) Giles of Jacksonville, North Carolina. One great-grandchild, Jameson P. Giles with another due to arrive in January. She is also survived by a sister, Slyvia Anne (Tom) Mitsch of Seattle, Washington; a brother, Michael (Kathy) Lauer of Indianapolis, Indiana; and loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Along with a host of friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is predeceased by her brother Richard Lauer and sister Sandy Lauer.

Sue Ellen impacted many people’s lives. Her beautiful mortality, patients, love, and sheer acts of sweetness have help mold multiple life decisions. She will never be forgotten for her great memories. She was a grandmother to two children that she did not have to be, but she chose to be. Knowing that she was moved on from this earth hurts and saddens our soul more than words can express, however knowing that her husband and family are behind the veil waiting is more inspiring and uplifting than anyone can fathom.

Sue Ellen made the decision to be cremated and placed with her husband at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida. A service will no be held at this time.

If donations would like to be made, please make them to Hotel for Cats and Dogs in Pensacola, Florida.