Heaven became a little sweeter on Thursday, July 13, 2017 when it opened its gates to receive Eleanor Thomas Wiley, age 78, of Fayetteville.
Eleanor almost qualified as a Fayetteville native, having lived here for the past 44 years. Born to I.A. Thomas and Mary Frances Reese Thomas in Atlanta on May 16, 1939, and living there until her marriage in 1960 to Paul Wiley, Eleanor was a 1957 graduate of Sylvan High School and the unofficial “historian” of its reunion records and events. Having grown up in the Adair Park community of Atlanta, she was also the “keeper” of the whereabouts of those who grew up there in the 1940’s and 1950’s, frequently planning reunions for these friends. Her home was always the site of family Thanksgiving dinners where upwards of 50 or more family and extended family members converged on her house for a big meal, conversations, and shopping the next day. She retired from Owens-Illinois after 40-plus years and enjoyed her service to Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, where she was considered the “church mamaî” to members of all ages. A loving wife and mother, her sons considered her an absolute angel and a wonderful role model.
Eleanor is survived by her husband of 57 years, Paul Wiley of Fayetteville; sons, David Wiley (Georgee) of Decatur and Craig Wiley (Kim) of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Travis Wiley, Nicole Wiley and Cameron Wiley; sister, Pat Brannon (Jack) of Duluth, and many loving and faithful cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. The family expresses special thanks to Maria Vance for the love and care she has provided Eleanor for the past 2-1/2 years.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at College Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Mowell Funeral Home, Fayetteville.
Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville – www.mowellfuneralhome.com
