Alwilda Joyce Talley

Alwilda Joyce Talley “Willie”, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, September 17th, 2025. Born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, on September 3rd, 1924, she lived a full and cherished life of 101 years.

Willie’s previously departed family includes her husband of 61 years, Robert Ely Talley “Bob”, her sister Norma Jean, her daughter Vicki, and her parents Henry Frest Hargrave and Gladys Belle Leanhart. Alwilda’s life is continued by her four children (Mark, Teresa, Bradley, and Jeffery), her seven grandchildren, her six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

A loving wife, a steadfast friend, and the Greatest Mother this World has ever seen, Alwilda loved her family more than anything. She was the “rock” of her family; taking great care of the home, making every meal, and keeping the kids in line… it was a full-time job. From “Quit it”, “Don’t make me take my shoe off” to “I love you” and “You’re my baby”, she protected and led her children through all stages of life.

Alwilda loved life and celebrated it every day. She always woke up with a smile on her face and a shimmy in her step. She would clap her hands when invited to go out to dinner and loved being spoiled. Willie loves horse racing and going to Churchill Downs to sneak into “millionaires’ row” for Derby. She loved sharing stories about all the celebrities she had seen at Churchill and all the fun she had. Dressed “to the nines” all the time, she loved dancing and singing to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. She was always active and ready for an adventure. Even in her 90’s, she was always game for boat rides, live music, and whatever came her way. On her 100th birthday, Alwilda was featured on the Smucker’s Jelly Jar centennial birthday celebration on the “Today Show”.

Alwilda was a super fantastic coach. She told her children to never be scared and instilled words of encouragement for her family and showed eternal support for whatever job, project, change, or adventure one was facing.

Willie lived a good, full life, and we have been so blessed to have her with us for so long She is special, and she leaves behind so much love We’re sure Heaven’s angels are rejoicing and having a big time welcoming one of their own to the Kingdom of Heaven.

We will welcome all who wish to celebrate Willie’s Life at Evergreen Funeral Home on Thursday October 2nd from 11:00am to 2:00 pm. Alwilda will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Bob, at a 3:00pm service at Evergreen Cemetery.