Celestine Riles

At the age of 82, Mrs. Celestine Riles, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, January 20, 2021, at her residence.

Celestine Wallace was born to George and Georgia Wallace on June 26, 1938 in Tullahassee, Oklahoma. She was raised on a farm with numerous brothers and sisters until the age of 10 at which time, the family moved to San Francisco, California. While in San Francisco, she attended Pacific Heights Grammar School, Girls High Middle School, and George Washington High School.

The family attended Neighborhood Baptist Church where she met Charles Riles. The two were later married and had two sons, Stephen Riles and Anthony Riles. Charles and Celestine moved to San Jose, California where they joined United Baptist Church and both participated in the bus ministry. This entailed picking up Church goers before church on Sundays and dropping them back off after church.

Celestine also held jobs in San Jose at various places such as Eggo, Frito Lay, and later at Quimby Junior High School. In Oct of 1972, Celestine had one more son Shannon Riles. In 1973 Charles accepted a job transfer from Hunter's Point Shipyard in San Francisco to Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS. The family attended many churches before settling at The Gulf Coast Family Church of Nazarene in Biloxi, MS. Celestine worked side by side with her husband doing God's work with Gideon International, Homes of Grace and Leakesville Prison Ministry.

She leaves behind her cherished husband Charles Riles, sons Stephen Riles (Gwen), Anthony Riles (Lisa), and Shannon Riles. She also leaves behind, three brothers Hulin Wallace, Herthon Wallace, and Prentiss Wallace. She also leaves three sisters, Ardella Waters, Nadine Milton, and Joanne English. She also leaves her first cousin Helen Smith, with whom she considered her best friend and her cousin Sylvania. She leaves behind a brother-in-law Samuel Riles and sister-in-law Geraldine Davis (Earl).

She also leaves five grandchildren, Sheridan (Kyle), Robyn (CJ), Monique (Tim), Unissa and Ryan. Her Great Grandchildren include Aubrey, Jaxon, and Cooper. She also leaves a host of nieces and nephews: Wesley, Bricen, Denise, Felicia, Jason, Aaron, Layron, Angelita, Granville, Benet, Toya, Marc, Regina, and Prentiss.

Celestine enjoyed reading, being outdoors, and lifting other's spirits through giving, guiding, and laughter. In addition to raising children, working, volunteering at church and throughout her community. Her vibrant spirit was infectious and admired, she created many memories for our hearts to hold forever as she shared her all time favorite Bible verse "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." - Mathew 5:8

She effortlessly led by example and was always known as a strong and determined woman. She'd always say, "Have courage and be kind in helping those who need, do not even want, or deserve one's help. The world can always use one more genuinely kind person." Then she would refer to the Bible "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:32

Special thanks to the wonderful Mary Stephens who provided invaluable care and loving kindness to our beautiful Celestine!

She will be missed dearly by family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 @ 1pm at the Gulf Coast Family Church of the Nazarene located at 14700 Big Ridge Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532.

Condolences, flowers and donations can be made in Celestine's name and sent to 14700 Big Ridge Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532.