Alsie Sylania Wise

Alsie Sylania Hartless Wise, 84, of Amherst, died peacefully at her home on August 5, 2011. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Clyde Coleson Wise, Sr.

She was born December 12, 1926 in Amherst County to the late Lindsay Bernard and Verdie Staton Hartless and was also preceded in death by a sister, Thelma H. Staton and five brothers, Elvin, Clevy, Robey, Bernice, and Lannie Hartless. She was a member of Midway Baptist Church, and though she was unable to attend church services for sometime, she loved her daily devotions and hymns.

Mrs. Wise is survived by her six children, Clydia “June” Martin (Burton) of Amherst, Wanda W. Ayers (Gene) of Lynchburg, Ricky D. Wise (Janet) of Madison Heights, Clyde C. Wise, Jr. (Betty), Susan E. Coffey (Steve), and Rebecca W. Phelps (Charles), all of Amherst;

She is also survived by nine wonderful grandchildren, Burton M. Martin, Jr. of Raleigh, NC, Jamie Wise Bryant (Stephen) of Amherst, Geoffrey D. Wise, presently serving as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Kimberly Lynn Wise of Amherst, Heath Dabney Wise, presently a Combat Engineer in the Army National Guard and friend, Samantha Turner, Alicia Wise Campbell (Casey) of Amherst, Joshua A. Wise, presently serving in the U.S. Marine Corp., stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Jonathan D. Coffey (Tanya) of Amherst and Nathan S. Coffey (Bethany) of Lynchburg.

She treasured her four great-grandchildren, Stephen Ashton Bryant, Jr., Kenzi Sylania Bryant, Landon Jonathan Coffey, and Laura Corrine Coffey, all of Amherst.

She is also survived by her two special sisters, Ozelia H. Fontaine of Lynchburg and Vilea H. Eubank and husband, Warren of Madison Heights; many special nieces and nephews and a very special friend, Corrine S. Coffey.

Mrs. Wise was much more than a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was an example of friendship, love, kindness, joy, integrity, and tenderness. Her sweet spirit left quite an impression on everyone she met. Her smile and laughter could easily light the darkest rooms and her faith in God was an inspiration to us all. Mother Teresa Said, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile”. Alsie lived her life by walking with God and exemplifying such kindness.

The family would like to thank Della Fuqua and Kathy Reid for their dilligence, love, support, and care of Mom. Also a special thanks to her niece, Mary Sue Fauber for her love and care.

Also a special thanks to Dr. Richard Bendall, Dr. Charles Joseph, and Gentle Shepherd Hospice (Brenda, Mally, Kim, June, and Rev. Jack Barrett) for all of the wonderful care that was provided.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 8, 2011 at Whitten Monelison Chapel with the Rev. Hugh Bumgarner officiating. Interment will follow in Briarwood Memorial Gardens in Amherst County.

The family will receive friends from 3-5:30 p.m., Sunday, August 7, 2011 at the funeral home and other times at the residence of her daughter, Susan Coffey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midway Baptist Church, Foundation of America for Myasthenia Gravis, Foundation for PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) or St. Judes Childrens Hospital.

To send a condolence to the family, please visit www.whittenfuneralhome.com.

Whitten Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Monelison Chapel is serving the family.