Ardenar Harper Giles, 102 entered into eternal peace on Sunday, February 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of Christian love, kindness, and service. She was a native of Southampton County and was born on May 27, 1922, in Franklin, Virginia to Willie and Annie Mae Harper. Raised by her parents and grandmother, Ardenar's early years were shaped by Christian values of family and community.

She graduated from Hayden High School and pursued higher education at Virginia State College in Petersburg, Virginia, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Home Economics. Later she studied at Madison University, Columbia University, and local colleges for advanced graduate work and extension courses to further hone her skills and dedication to education.

Ardenar dedicated nearly 4 decades of her life to nurturing young minds as a Home Economics instructor in the Hanover County School System. Her commitment to her students was unwavering, leaving an indelible mark on the countless lives she touched. After retirement, she remained connected through life memberships with the Retired Teacher Association and NAACP.

Beyond her professional life, Ardenar was a faithful member of the Bethany Baptist Church in Montpelier, Virginia. Through the years she served as a Deaconess, Mentor, Missionary, Sunday School Teacher and Mother of the Church. She faithfully attended weekly prayer services.

She held life memberships to the Mattaponi Women's Missionary and Educational Convention (Women's Division). Ardenar has enjoyed caring for her family and traveling throughout the years.

On November 17, 1951, Ardenar married the love of her life, Benjamin H. Giles, Jr., with whom she shared 63 years of love, laughter, and cherished memories. They had 2 children together. Though preceded in death by Benjamin, their bond continues to inspire those who knew them. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Rebecca Harper; parents, Willie and Fannie Mae Harper; her sister, Willie B. Sanford; her two brothers, Wilbur Harper and Prince Harper.

She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her children; son Benjamin H. Giles III of Norfolk, Virginia; daughter Ruth (Clarence Saunders of Irving, Texas; grandson, Benjamin H. Giles IV and granddaughter, Monica Saunders; granddaughter Candace Saunders of Washington D.C; sister-in-law Annie M. Smith of Baltimore, Maryland, loving nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members and friends.