Georgiana Wiles
Graveside services for Georgiana Wiles, 69, of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 12th, 2016, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at The First Christian Church under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Wiles passed away at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 3rd, 2016, at her home.
Georgiana was born August 6th, 1946, at Cabool, Missouri, to William Elvin “Buck” Dickey and Ruth Eleanor McKinney Dickey. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, before earning a Master’s degree in English from Loyola University in New Orleans. On August 12th, 1966, she was married to John N. Wiles in Cabool, Missouri, who preceded her in death on September 3rd, 2015. In New Orleans, while her husband attended law school at Tulane University, Mrs. Wiles taught Honors English students during the day. After moving to West Plains, she continued teaching for several years at West Plains High School. When her son was born, Georgiana’s full time job became taking care of her family. As her son and daughter grew older, she committed her time to many school related organizations, including being an active member of the Howell Valley Parent-Teacher Organization for many years. Mrs. Wiles was also an accomplished classical pianist, gourmet chef and avid bridge player. In addition, Georgiana was a former “Miss Cabool.” Georgiana was a fiercely loyal friend and protector of both her friends and family. She was an animal lover and could never say no to when it came to providing a home to any homeless kitten or puppy which showed up on her doorstep. A steadfast member of The First Christian Church in West Plains for nearly 40 years, Georgiana taught Bible Study classes and Sunday School, led the Christian Women’s Foundation, and contributed generously with both money and time to several charitable organizations as well as participating in the church’s choir.
She is survived by her son, John “Jay” N. Wiles, II and his wife, Billie, and their children Michael and Destiny of West Plains and Jimmy of Springfield. She is also survived by her daughter Dee Georgiana Wiles Evans and her husband Randal, and their children, Robert and Brandon of West Plains.
Her parents and husband precede her in death.
Mrs. Wiles will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Friday, March 11th, 2016, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Dr. Jack N. Wiles Scholarship at the West Plains branch of Missouri State University and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertsondrago.com.
Kathy Bray Beaty
March 4, 2016 @ 12:19 pm
So sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Ann was my teacher in high school. She was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Janice Papke
March 5, 2016 @ 6:44 pm
Georgiana was a good friend from our elementary school days. We both attended the Christian Church in Cabool. We both enjoyed our high school days with many activities and many fun extra-curricular events. She was a happy person, highly intelligent, and very devout. She and John double dated often until I left for college in Springfield. After that I saw her infrequently due to the many miles between between us, but I shall always remember what a good person she was and how much I admired her. Her passing leaves a hole in my heart, as I am sure it does in her many other friends and family. My sympathies go to her family who I am sure feel her loss immensely.
Glenna Stephen
March 6, 2016 @ 9:56 am
Hearing of Georgiana’s passing made me so sad. She was a one of a kind person, and I enjoyed our friendship very much. I will miss hearing about her family, her pets, past teaching experiences, raising tomatoes, Jenn-Air grill parts, and a dozen other topics.
She could always make me laugh because we shared a similar sense of humor. When I think of her in the future, it will be with a smile.
Carol Jansch
March 7, 2016 @ 3:32 pm
Stunned to learn of Georgiana’s passing. We kept in touch after meeting the first day of freshman year at then SMS. In school we were roommates, sorority sisters, and best friends. She honored me by choosing me to be her maid of honor at her wedding to John. Though we were far apart, we phoned frequently, and shared books and recipes by mail. She loved her family devotedly, as well as her church, neighbors, school and community. My utmost sympathy to her children, grandchildren, friends and family. She will be missed so much.