TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF THELMA WILEY
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has called Thelma Wiley, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, to her eternal reward, October 4, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Thelma Wiley was born September 12, 1940, in Powhatan, Ohio to the late Clara and Arthur Wiley, Sr. She was a honor student at Powhatan High School and, in 1958, she graduated Magna Cum Laude as a member of the National Honor Society; and
WHEREAS, Thelma Wiley migrated to Chicago where she began working at Montgomery Ward. She furthered her education at an area trade school and became a supervisor in the Wards Information Systems Department. She took an early retirement in 1999 to spend more quality time with her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Thelma and Dennis Brooks were united in marriage in 1962, and, in 1964, she gave birth to their pride and joy, Regina. She later married Gerald Drye, who preceded her in death in 1978. In 1980, she remarried to Destin H. Bowls with whom she lived a happy life; and
WHEREAS, In Ohio, Thelma Wiley was a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church. After moving to Chicago, she united with the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Thelma gave of her time and resources enthusiastically and generously to the members of her congregation and many people in her community; and
WHEREAS, Thelma Wiley was an avid whist and scrabble player. She enjoyed playing both games with her cousin, Pearl. She was also a real estate investor who took good care of her properties and her tenants; and
WHEREAS, Thelma Wiley will be deeply missed as she was a vital and active member of her family and community. She was a cherished friend and good neighbor and enriched the lives of all whose lives she touched. The memory of her character, intelligence and compassion will continue to live on through those who knew and loved her; and
WHEREAS, Thelma Wiley leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband, Destin; daughter, Regina; son, Darryl; brothers, Arthur, Jr., John, and Andrew; sisters, Verla Wiley and Christina Wiley-Randolph; grandchildren, Brandle, Jillian, Angela and Quinton; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family as well as friends to mourn her passing; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Anthony Beale, Alderman of the 9th Ward has informed this august body of the passing of Thelma Wiley; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, assembled here this 15th day of November, 2012 AD, do hereby extend our condolences to the family and friends of Thelma Wiley and express our sincere sorrow on the loss of this respected and cherished woman.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Thelma Wiley.
ANTHONY BEALE Alderman - 9,h Ward