Gladys Marie Holt-Giles Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

(formerly Gladys Marie Cole) Gladys Marie Holt-Giles, 66 of Woodbridge, VA, affectionately known as “La La”, passed away suddenly at her home on Thursday, November 5, 2020. Gladys, born on February 10, 1954 in Washington, D.C. and was the fifth of eleven children born to the late Annie M. Holt and Roy DeSales Holt, Sr. She is survived by her devoted husband of seven years, Colonel Giles; daughters, Kim Bloom and Vonetta Cole (Partner Harvey); stepdaughters, Aprile Giles and Katrina Giles; stepson, Marques Giles; one granddaughter, Renee and her father, Peter; her siblings, nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. Gladys’ siblings include Roy DeSales Holt, Jr. (Deceased), Shirley Batchelor (Deceased), Lutricia Holt (Deceased), Joseph Holt, Audrey Holt, Mary Holt, Theresa Holt, Forrest Holt (Deceased), Constance “Connie” Holt (Deceased) and Marvin Leon Holt; former husband, Michael Cole (Deceased). Following graduation from Spingarn High School in 1972, she worked for various Federal agencies for 39 years. From 1970 to 1980, Gladys held various administrative and secretarial positions with the District Government, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and National Science Foundation. From 1980 to 1986, she served as Equal Opportunity Manager for the Federal Emergency Management Agency where she was responsible for managing the agency’s discrimination complaints for headquarters and regional offices. She was also responsible for conducting agency programs pertaining to women and minorities to enhance awareness and educational opportunities. In September 1986, she worked for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration as a Motor Carrier Safety Specialist (Special Agent). She held numerous positions from Special Agent to Division Chiefs and served as Acting Director for Communications’ Public Affairs during hurricanes Katrina and Rita for the FMCSA under D.O.T. Gladys retired in April 2009 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in Washington, D.C., where she served as Chief, Outreach Division, Enforcement and Program Delivery, with management responsibility in the development of communication strategies and plans to implement national campaigns and outreach materials for various targeted audiences in the motor carrier industry. While there, she served as Volunteer Loan Executive for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) of the National Capital Area from 2003 to 2004 and was responsible for providing daily support to federal agencies in the planning, development and implementation of their CFC Campaign and fundraising activities. Throughout her government service, she earned numerous honors and awards, letters of appreciation, and accreditations. Amidst her trailblazing career and family life, Gladys volunteered both at work and in the community. From 2013 until her passing, she actively participated in and helped spearhead the planning of Congressman Gerry Connolly’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Fete, a re-election campaign fundraiser with more than 1,000 attendees and is one of the largest gatherings of Democrats in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She served as an Election Officer since 2005 for Prince William County, VA, as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) (2009-2010) where she was appointed by local judges to represent the best interest of the child in court by serving as an extra pair of eyes and ears for the Court and a voice for the child. She was a Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman where she advocated for elderly residents in nursing home facilities. She served as a Disaster Action Team member for the Prince William American Red Cross Chapter and ad-hoc community instructor (2002-2004), Domestic Violence Program Facilitator (1995-2001) for Action in Community Through Service of Prince William, Inc. (ACTS), Secretary on Board of Directors for Citizens Fire Academy Alumni in PWC (1998-1999), Loan Executive (2003-2004) to the Combined Federal Campaign for the D.C. Metropolitan Area for six months. She served as Recreational Counselor (1987) at Arlington Nursing Home in Jacksonville, FL, Financial Counselor (1989) for Virginia Cooperative Extension Service in Manassas, VA, Volunteer Coordinator and Patriotic Service Award recipient (1984) for U.S. Savings Bond Program with Department of Treasury, Social Worker’s Aide (1982-1983) for the Prince William County Department of Social Services where she received Certification of the Appreciation from the Commonwealth of Virginia for recognition and outstanding services. Gladys was a dedicated public servant who volunteered much of her time to helping others but also was dedicated to her family. Gladys was a source of strength and help to others. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother. A provider and caregiver by nature, she never hesitated to help her family, friends, and even strangers. She bestowed her guidance and wisdom to everyone she helped. She opened up her home and heart to those who needed a safe and welcoming space. She was a smart, independent, fun-loving, and kind. Gladys loved doting on her only grandchild. She loved music and dancing, especially hand dancing. She enjoyed watching and talking about the latest in news, shows, and movies. She loved hosting holiday events, parties, and family get-togethers. She was a lifelong learner and entrepreneur with her own wedding and events planning business. She expressed her creative side through her arts and crafts. She enjoyed her husband’s companionship in retirement. She will be deeply missed. We celebrate her life and take comfort in knowing that she is with those that passed on before her. A Virtual Memorial Homegoing Celebration for Gladys is scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday November 21, 2020. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gladys’s life by clicking the Zoom link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88604639633?pwd=TEFyZlFOZ0pQTUoyN1NMVTRJQWtFZz09. Meeting ID: 886 0463 9633 Passcode: 678493 The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and words of comfort. Cards and condolences can be sent to the family at: The Giles Family, 4013 Cardinal Crest Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22193. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to Action in Community Through Service of Prince William, Inc. (ACTS) at www.actspwc.org in Gladys’ name in her memory. Tributes can be made online at www.millerfuneralhome.net. Special thanks to Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, Woodbridge, VA (cremation) and National Harmony Memorial Park, Hyattsville, MD (burial).