I am Thalzy Hughes Giles, Jr., affectionately known as “Sonny” or “Tee.” I was born on December 20, 1938, in Pierce, Wharton County, Texas, to the proud parents of Rev. Thalzy Hughes Giles, Sr. and Lela Kimble Giles. I was the fifth and youngest child born into our loving family.

     On December 24, 1944, my family relocated to Texas City, Texas, where we united with Greater Barbour’s Chapel Baptist Church. On the very first Sunday after our arrival, I was baptized by Rev. J. H. Scott. My faith and church family became a guiding force throughout my life. I faithfully served as a member of the youth choir until graduating from Booker T. Washington High School.

     Following high school, I attended Texas Southern University from 1957 to 1961, where I earned a degree in Accounting. During my years at TSU, I worked part-time in the School of Business and in my advisor’s office. I was deeply honored and grateful to receive a monthly stipend from the Greater Barbour’s Chapel Baptist Church Education Fund throughout my college years, easing the financial burden on my parents. My academic advisor was so impressed with my work and dedication that he recommended I continue my education in graduate school in West Virginia.

     After graduating, I proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. During my four years of service, I spent more than three and a half years stationed in upstate New York. Following my honorable discharge, I relocated to New York City and began my career with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, first as an accounting clerk and later as a computer operator, rising to Systems Analyst.

     After approximately fifteen years in New York, I returned home to Texas City for several years before eventually moving to Houston, Texas, where I continued working as a computer operator with the IRS until my retirement. After retiring, I returned once more to Texas City and joyfully reunited with my beloved Barbour’s Chapel church family.

     I was blessed with four siblings: Leon Goodwin Giles, Sr., Lee Andrew Giles, Myrtle Lorraine Giles Davis, and Gracie Bell Giles Jamerson. I was preceded in death by my parents, Rev. T. H. Giles, Sr. and Lela Kimble Giles; my siblings, Gracie Bell Giles Jamerson, Leon Goodwin, Sr., Lee Andrew Giles, and Myrtle Lorraine Giles Davis; my godsister and first cousin, Melva Jean Cunningham Hall; and my great-niece, Monique Giles Porterie.

     I leave to cherish my memory a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

     Throughout my life, I was blessed to overcome tremendous challenges. As a child, I survived both the Texas City Disaster and polio. Though polio changed some of my physical abilities, it never diminished my spirit. I once played the saxophone but later switched to the clarinet, and although I had to give up playing basketball, my love for music and sports remained with me throughout my entire life.

     I lived a life grounded in faith, perseverance, family, and quiet strength. My journey was one of resilience, gratitude, and enduring love for God, family, music, and community.