Sarah Victoria Wiley was born in Ocklawaha, Florida to Annie Favors Morris and Charlie Morris, who have long since lived eternally in God's embrace in heaven. Sarah joined them, surrounded by her loving family, on December 12, 2023 at the tender age of 99, in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Sarah married the love of her life, Bennie Lee Wiley Sr., in 1941. Through this union, they had four wonderful children: two sons Bennie Lee (Helen) Wiley Jr. of Miramar Florida, and Roy Gean (Eunice) Wiley of Punta Gorda, FL; as well as two daughters, Joyce Wiley Goshay of Punta Gorda, and a daughter who has waited for her in heaven, Sarah Ann Wiley Lee. She is also predeceased by all of her siblings; Roxie Morris Nunn, Bertha Morris Montgomery, Annie Mae Morris, and Charlie Morris Jr.
Sarah was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest child started school. She believed deeply in the education of her children. She helped each and every one of them finish elementary school through college. Sarah herself finished school through eighth grade, and she was immensely proud in helping her children succeed.
Her children went on to have children of their own, giving Sarah eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren include Jacqueline (Reginald) Goshay-Reed, Daren D. Goshay, Alan (Carla) Wiley, Antia (Charles) Wiley Mountjoy, Alison Wiley, Nicole Wiley Evans, Genea Mann Chavis, and Matthew Lee. Her great-grandchildren include Reginald Reed Jr., Jennifer Reed, Daren Goshay Jr., Nick Goshay, Rori Evans, Rogine Peterson, Taylor Chavis, Christopher Chavis, Cameron Wiley, and Alexandra Wiley. Her great-great-grandchildren include Jeremiah Goshay, Jaxon Goshay, Solomon Goshay, Ruth Goshay, Naomi Goshay, Abigail Goshay, and Asher Goshay. Sarah also has one beloved cousin, Mrs. France Favor Carter of Miami, Florida.
Sarah was a member of Eastern Star and the NAACP. She was on the Mother Board and Mission Board of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School every week for several years. The most important part of her life was taking care of her family. She worked extremely hard to make sure they could all support themselves without the help from others (except family, of course!).
A visitation for Sarah will be held Saturday, December 23, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Mark' Missionary Baptist Church, 402 Dupont Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. A funeral service will occur Saturday, December 23, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, 402 Dupont Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. A committal service will occur Saturday, December 23, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens, 27200 Jones Loop Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33982. A reception will occur Saturday, December 23, 2023 at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church after the committal service.”
