What an absolute treasure Mary (and Phil) were to all who were fortunate enough to know them, as well as the wider community who benefitted from their selfless contributions for so many decades.  For almost fifty years the Wiles lived next door to my family on Oak Lane in Piney Point Village.   We could not have asked for better neighbors.  Both Mary and Phil were so sweet with the seven children in my family as we were growing up and long after going out into the World, we made a point of touching base with them whenever returning home for a visit.  They were always interested in latest developments in our family - marriages, children, grandchildren, jobs etc.  Phil became the "official" photographer for our family's group photo taken outside on Christmas Day - everyone insisted on it, Phil included.  After our father died in 1989, Mary and Phil could not have extended themselves more to our Mom as caring friends and neighbors.  That lasted for another twenty years until Mom's death in 2008, a few months before Phil's death.  Throughout those years, Mary and Phil's constancy was a great source of comfort for both our Mom and her adult children.   From the moment they built their house and moved in way back when, their thoughtful, kind and warm personalities helped make Oak Lane a very special place to live and grow up.  We are forever beholden to them.  Sincere condolences to Liz, Van, their spouses, children and grandchildren on Mary's passing.  We are very thankful for her Life and, we are All, the better for it.  Alan Calkins

Mary was one of the sweetest people I have ever known.  She was my friend and PEO sister.  I recall the many times Mary hosted our chapter at her and Phil's home in Piney Point. Always with her contagious smile and good nature.  I have missed her these last years and know she is in a better place now.   She spoke so lovingly about you, Liz, and Van.

It’s really hard to put into words what my mother meant to me, and the innumerable memories that drift through my mind and heart everyday.  Mom was always there for every family event, every child and grandchild, every illness, supporting and helping me in ways I cannot express, from my birth till her passing. The vacancy in my heart is enormous without her presence, but Mom would say “Live your life and focus on the living.” She was practical in that way. And her faith was enormous. I never questioned  where she would be after dying. She is in her new body, rejoicing with the angels and her family  and friends at being in the presence of Jesus. He was her savior and because of her faith, I also came to know Him as my Lord and Savior. Her gentle, kind, loving spirit radiated the fruits of the Spirit. Proverbs 31 is my mom in every  sense. I’m so grateful to have had the honor to be her daughter and hope to emulate her life in every way. No one could ever take her place and I can’t wait for the reunion we will have one day in heaven!

Mary was one of the sweetest people I have ever known. She was my friend and PEO sister. I recall the many times Mary hosted our chapter at her and Phil's home in Piney Point. Always with her contagious smile and good nature. I have missed her these last years and know she is in a better place now. She spoke so lovingly about you, Liz, and Van.

What an absolute treasure Mary (and Phil) were to all who were fortunate enough to know them, as well as the wider community who benefitted from their selfless contributions for so many decades. For almost fifty years the Wiles lived next door to my family on Oak Lane in Piney Point Village. We could not have asked for better neighbors. Both Mary and Phil were so sweet with the seven children in my family as we were growing up and long after going out into the World, we made a point of touching base with them whenever returning home for a visit. They were always interested in latest developments in our family - marriages, children, grandchildren, jobs etc. Phil became the "official" photographer for our family's group photo taken outside on Christmas Day - everyone insisted on it, Phil included. After our father died in 1989, Mary and Phil could not have extended themselves more to our Mom as caring friends and neighbors. That lasted for another twenty years until Mom's death in 2008, a few months before Phil's death. Throughout those years, Mary and Phil's constancy was a great source of comfort for both our Mom and her adult children. From the moment they built their house and moved in way back when, their thoughtful, kind and warm personalities helped make Oak Lane a very special place to live and grow up. We are forever beholden to them. Sincere condolences to Liz, Van, their spouses, children and grandchildren on Mary's passing. We are very thankful for her Life and, we are All, the better for it.

From Van Wiles Eulogy Part 1:

I’m here today to honor my mother Mary Wiles as we remember - and celebrate - her life.

I have been told by everyone that knew my mother that she was one of the kindest, sweetest women they ever knew. Even her caretakers at the senior homes would remark how she never complained and was always so kind and friendly.

Mom had a wonderful, light-hearted sense of humor. Many times I heard her tell a funny story about a neighbor who dropped just about every pan in her kitchen. When the clanging finally stopped, the neighbor sang out in a childlike voice - "Dropped Something!" She would often say that when she made a loud noise in her kitchen.

As a child, Mom was formed by the Great Depression and she (like many of her generation) was frugal, almost to a fault. My parents were always generous with the family, but thoroughly spendthrifts on themselves.

This sense of self-sacrifice permeated her soul and her life, even more so in her later years. Today, January 4, 2021 would be my father’s 103rd birthday. Dad was a cargo pilot in World War II. After Dad passed in 2008, Mom dedicated her life to helping and honoring veterans. Several times after his passing I brought Mom here to visit Dad’s gravesite on Memorial Day, and afterwards we would attend the Memorial Day event. She loved the patriotic songs and military ceremonies.

I will miss those times I had with Mom - singing with her at the music events in her retirement home, eating lunch in the dining room with her senior friends. But the thing I will miss most is her encouraging spirit. Mom never failed to praise and lift me up, even though I most certainly didn’t deserve it.

From Van Wiles Eulogy Part 2

There’s something about having a mother that makes you feel safe - even when she’s 94 and bed-ridden. I know it’s the unconditional love that God puts in a mother’s heart. In Mom’s case it was more than that. I always knew that she was concerned about me and praying for me. It’s a wonderful thing to have an intercessor who loves you, the way only a mother can. I know that she is now resting in the arms of God and - maybe - singing in heaven’s choir, with a voice we could only dream about.

But I also know that the God who formed me in her womb loves me unconditionally, and gave His only Son to save my soul from death. This blessed assurance is now my hope and joy, and gives me the purpose to finish my life, honoring Him and my dearly departed parents, whose bodies will rest here waiting for His return.

Mom requested some of her favorite hymns for this occasion, which we will sing later this spring. Let me finish today with the final verse of the hymn It is Well With My Soul...

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Even so -- it is well with my soul!

Andrew Keene read this poem at the graveside service.

IMAGINE
Stepping onto a shore
and finding it heaven.

IMAGINE
Taking hold of a hand
and finding it God's hand.

IMAGINE
Breathing new air
and finding it celestial air.

IMAGINE
Feeling invigorated
and finding it immortality.

IMAGINE
Passing from storm and tempest
to an unknown calm.

IMAGINE
Waking and finding it home.

I met Mrs. Wiles many years ago soon after my family moved to Houston.  My mother befriended Mrs. Wiles and introduced me soon after.  Mrs. Wiles was always unfailingly sweet and kind to me and the rest of my family.
Years later, after my mother had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, Mrs. Wiles was always willing and able to spend time with my mother.  That thoughtfulness meant the world to both me and my mother.  
My heart goes out to Mrs. Wiles' family at the loss of their wonderful mother.  I know that Mrs. Wiles has gone home to her Lord and, sometime in the future, her family and friends will see her again.
- June Cuming

I am married to Alan Calkins and from the time I started to frequent the Calkins home Phil and Mary were always so gracious to me.  I always looked forward to visiting with them when we were in Houston.  I was the one to walk next door to tell Mary/Phil that Dorothy had died and they were so sweet and caring.  Mary had a nurturing spirit and love of life that spread over us all.  They will both have a most special place in my heart.

OBITUARY

Mary Falk Wiles

November 4, 1926 – December 29, 2020

Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services