Oreleon Wiley

Sis. Oreleon Thomas Wiley, nicknamed “Ora” was born August 4, 1929, in Ville Platte, Louisiana, to Kelly Thomas and Mable Jones. She suffered a lot at such a young age. She worked in the Louisiana cotton fields. She finally was able to leave by crossing the river with the clothes on her back into Galveston, Texas.

Oreleon then moved to Houston, Texas and became an outstanding “Entrepreneur” in the Flea Market Business of selling jewelry, purses, furniture, and other items with only a sixth-grade education. She didn’t

allow obstacles to stop or block her. She was so proud to be able to vote for President Barack Obama in her 80s. That was a proud moment!

Oreleon was baptized as she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. She had been a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for quite some time, but later decided because of the distance from her home to Mt. Olive had become a difficult task, she joined First Missionary Baptist Church by Christian Experience under the leadership of Pastor Craig A. Smith. She connected with others and had a passion to sing and lead songs in the Senior Choir. She has been a faithful member still coming even in her advanced age on the Metro Van until her passing.

Oreleon had a total of ten amazing children: six sons and four girls. On Tuesday, December 5, 2023 Sis. Oreleon Thomas Wiley departed from this life to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to live a brand-new life with Christ!

Oreleon was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Wiley, her parents, Kelly Thomas and Mable Jones, Hillary Thomas (brother), and Glorejean Thomas (sister). Five children: J. C. Fontenot, Lionel Fontenot, Shirley Ann Robinson, Terry Lee, and Rose Marie Wallace.

Oreleon leaves to cherish her memories: children and their spouses: Jaton Fontenot (Lilimae) Louisiana, Mary Lane Johnson (Gary), Michigan, L. C. Fontenot (Sharon) California, Helen Lemalle, Texas, and Lester Wallace (Oni) Michigan; a host of grand, great-grand, and great-great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Oreleon will be held Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will occur Friday the 15th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023.