Effie Jean Wiley

Effie Jean Wiley, beloved daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and cousin was born to Ocie and Georgia (Hunter) Neal in Smackover, Arkansas on July 4, 1947.

She attended Washington High School in El Dorado, AR.  She confessed her belief in Christ at an early age.  She was married to Grant Wiley for 33 blessed years and nurtured two sons: Grant Jr. (Scutter) and Bryan (Tony).

She was a pioneering industrious woman of color.   She was the first black woman to work on the administrative staff of Pilgrim’s Pride (later ConAgra Foods).  She was the first black hair and makeup consultant hired to manage the beauty department at Walgreens back in the 1970’s.  She later earned a degree in cosmetology and was licensed to own and operate her very own shop, known as Salon De Essence, for over 30 years.

She was an untiring advocate and witness for Christ.  Because of her strong faith and commitment to Christ, she ultimately became a minister and preacher, serving her community unwaveringlyuntil God called her home.  

Effie peacefully ascended from this life on Friday, February 22, 2019.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Grant Wiley, Sr., her mother (Georgia (Hunter) Neal), father (Ocie Neal), one sister (Christine Walker), and four brothers (Dick Neal, Ocie L. Neal, Robert D. Neal and James Neal).

Left to cherish her memories are her two sons, Grant Wiley, Jr. of Houston, TX and Bryan Anthony Wiley of El Dorado, AR along with her granddaughter, Hannah Wiley and grandson, Josh Wiley both of El Dorado, AR.  She is also survived by her two sisters, Addie Smith of El Dorado, AR and Ethel Hall of Miami, FL along with a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

We thank God for his grace and mercy shown to Effie Jean Wiley for a life well lived.  We give him all the Praise and Glory.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at St. Vestal CME Church. Interment will be at Arlington Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook online at www.simsmortuary.com