Ellen Maree Wiley

As we retrace the footprints of Ellen Maree Wiley, we can only give thanks for the many lives she touched along life’s journey. A self confident woman, she was blessed to enjoy many of God’s blessings as a child, a sister, an aunt, and a friend. Ellen began her life’s journey on October 27, 1932, at Okolona, Arkansas as the daughter of Atoy and Violet Nixon Wiley. Nurtured in a Christian environment, Ellen gave her life to Christ at a young age and was baptized at St. Clair Missionary Baptist Church. “Squeekie”, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, was educated in Okolona, Arkansas and was a graduate of Okolona High School. There she excelled as a student. Ellen grew up to be a loving, kind and intelligent young woman. She furthered her education by attending Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas now UAPB. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business. With a college degree accomplished and a new job Ellen moved to Paris, France where she was exposed to a high standard of living, as well as, a high public education level, many famous attractions, world-class art galleries, museums, beautiful parks and gardens. She was a longtime employee of the British Petroleum Corporation having traveled with the company from country to country. She later transferred to Los Angeles, CA, and lastly Plano, Texas. After retirement she moved back home and settled in Gurdon, Arkansas. Although she had no children of her own, to her nieces and nephews, Ellen was like a loving and nurturing mother. A naturally friendly person, she was there for her family like a best friend. Ellen was a rare “rich gift” who inspired everyone who crossed her path. She possessed her own style and loved music, particularly gospel. After 79 seasons of life Ellen received her blessing of immortality on Friday, May 25, 2012. She was welcomed home by her parents, her siblings, Monteen Davis, Easter L. Williams, Toy Reece Wiley and Floyd David Wiley. She leaves to celebrate and honor her life’s journey: three sisters, Ola Mae Bailey of Okolona, AR, Veodis Cook of Malvern, AR, Clementeen Miles of Chicago, IL; one brother, Lee Wilma Wiley and his wife Mary of Ratcliff, KY; two sisters-in-law, Ollie Wiley and Annie Wiley both of Chicago, IL; one brother-in-law, Gilbert Davis of Gurdon, AR; four nieces, nine nephews, cousins, and friends. Ms. Wiley will lie in repose on Friday, June 1st from 12 noon until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The last farewell will be held on Saturday, June 2nd at 1:00 p.m. at St. Clair Missionary Baptist Church in Burtsell where Rev. Derrick Newburn is the pastor and celebrant. The committal service and final resting place will be at First Baptist Cemetery in Okolona, Arkansas.