Martha Theresa Elliott Giles

Martha Theresa Elliott Giles, beloved wife, devoted mother and grandmother, steadfast advocate, and cherished member of her community, passed away on February 15, 2026, at Duke Regional Hospital of late-stage dementia. She was 85 years old.

Born on November 9, 1940, Martha was the daughter of Joe Elliott and Mildred Mansfield Elliott. Martha graduated from Meredith College in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. That same year, on July 13, 1963, she married the love of her life, Gary Giles. Together they shared 62 years of marriage marked by devotion, partnership, and the deepest of loves.

Martha dedicated her professional life to serving others, working tirelessly as a social worker for the Department of Social Services, where she focused on advocating for and supporting children in her community. Her commitment to justice and care extended beyond her profession. She volunteered with the Inter-faith Council and the UNC Childhood Trust and served as a Guardian ad Litem, lending her time, voice, and energy to those who needed protection and representation.

An activist at heart, Martha was deeply committed to the ethical and respectful treatment of all people. Guided by a moral compass grounded in logic and sharpened by her acerbic debate skills, she wrote letters to the editor in which she waged thoughtful, determined battles for a kinder and a more inclusive, accepting community.

Martha will be remembered for her generosity, her empathetic listening, and her propagation and nurturing of all green plants. She excelled at celebrating holiday gatherings, gifting love with attentive detail. Behind the camera, Martha documented milestone moments, creating a rich library of memories in photo albums for every child and grandchild. She was the connective tissue among family and friends—a steady, loving presence who brought people together and held them there with care and intention.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Giles of Durham, North Carolina; her daughters and their husbands, Tracye Giles and Bruno Arricastres of Hillsborough, North Carolina, and Ellen Stillson and John Stillson of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; her grandchildren, Lucie Arricastres, June Arricastres, Lindsey Stillson, and Tyler Stillson; and her brother, Jim Elliott.

Martha cherished her family deeply and valued the lasting friendships that enriched her life, particularly those she shared with Nancy and John Woodson and Anne and Ron Knopf. She was profoundly grateful for the support of Alcoholics Anonymous, its members, and sponsors, and for the enduring support and friendship of the late Bob Seymour.

Martha’s life was defined by service, integrity, compassion, and quiet strength. She leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, connection, and love that will continue to shape the lives of those who knew her. Her memory will be treasured, her presence missed.

The family plans to hold a private celebration of life in the spring.

Tributes to Martha can be made to the Inter-Faith Council https://www.ifcweb.org/donate-to-ifc