(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)Lenora Wiley, 89, peacefully passed from her earthly home on September 16, 2021. Lenora was born in Obion County, Tennessee on May 3, 1932 to Opal Davis and Austin Cleek.
She married her high school sweetheart, Robert Claude Wiley, on September 23, 1950; Bob preceded his bride in death on May 12, 2001. Bob and Lenora have reunited and will celebrate their 71st wedding anniversary in Heaven.
Lenora was preceded in death by her two brothers, Aaron Cleek and William Cleek.
She is survived by her sisters Martha Vermillion of Jefferson City, MO and Jeannie Snipes of Aurora, MO. In addition, Lenora is survived by one son and three daughters. Jeffrey Wiley of Golden, MO; Jeff’s children: April O’Neal (Tim) of Joplin, MO (Jahlynn Armstrong, Elijah O’Neal) and Alaina Ramsey (Justin) of Olathe, KS (Liam and Mia); daughter, Lynn Wright (Jerry) of Joplin, MO; Lynn’s three daughters: Michelle Dixon (Joe) of Carthage, MO (Ashlyn, Logan, and Nora), Heather Corner (Scott) of Carl Junction, MO (Brent and anticipated arrival of great-grandbaby number 10), and Kaycie Gibson of Joplin, MO; daughter Jane McCann (Stuart) of Springfield, MO and their two children, Zach McCann (Shalana) of Byers, CO (Corbin, Madoc, and Goldie Rae) and Lauren McCann of Morrison, CO; daughter Beth Nation (Robert) of Monett, MO and their two children, Doss Nation and Claire Nation. Lenora adored her children, grands, and greats and always looked forward to family gatherings where she always insisted on a family picture.
Lenora, affectionately known as Mrs. Wiley, spent her life serving others of all ages, but she had a special gift in working with young children. With this passion for children, Lenora opened a preschool in the basement of their home in 1974, where neighborhood children descended the stairs to learn, play, and where friendships blossomed. From 1975 to 1989 Lenora owned and operated Children’s House, a neighborhood preschool that served hundreds of Joplin-area families. Children’s House fostered a love of learning through art, music, water tables, tricycle courses, and building blocks - a place where play was encouraged and children were loved. After a brief retirement, Lenora was beckoned to once again serve families and their children, where she opened and directed what is now the Lion Cub Academy at Missouri Southern State University. Lenora was also a member of PEO, Chapter FI and was honored to serve as a president of her chapter.
Lenora was a life-long learner, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree late in life. It was not uncommon for Lenora to audit classes simply for the sake of learning. Lenora was also a student of the Bible and was a member of Mt. Hope Church of Christ, formerly Fourth and Forest Church of Christ. She was often found reading scripture and applying its teachings to her daily life. She taught preschool Bible class for many years and took great joy in sharing the love of Jesus and the story of the cross with God’s children of all ages.
Memorial donations will be under the care of Mason-Woodard Mortuary and can be made payable to: Lenora Wiley Memorial Fund. The fund will be utilized to award scholarships for Missouri Southern State University students majoring in education and will be under the direction of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Monett Area Community Foundation Affiliate.
Donations can be made online at: http://cfozarks.org/lenora
Services will be held at Mt. Hope Church of Christ, Joplin, MO on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Family will receive friends at 10:00 AM, followed by a celebration of life at 11:30 AM. Graveside service will immediately follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
Lenora, affectionately known as Mrs. Wiley, spent her life serving others of all ages, but she had a special gift in working with young children. With this passion for children, Lenora opened a preschool in the basement of their home in 1974, where neighborhood children descended the stairs to learn, play, and where friendships blossomed. From 1975 to 1989 Lenora owned and operated Children’s House, a neighborhood preschool that served hundreds of Joplin-area families. Children’s House fostered a love of learning through art, music, water tables, tricycle courses, and building blocks - a place where play was encouraged and children were loved. After a brief retirement, Lenora was beckoned to once again serve families and their children, where she opened and directed what is now the Lion Cub Academy at Missouri Southern State University. Lenora was also a member of PEO, Chapter FI and was honored to serve as a president of her chapter.
Lenora was a life-long learner, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree late in life. It was not uncommon for Lenora to audit classes simply for the sake of learning. Lenora was also a student of the Bible and was a member of Mt. Hope Church of Christ, formerly Fourth and Forest Church of Christ. She was often found reading scripture and applying its teachings to her daily life. She taught preschool Bible class for many years and took great joy in sharing the love of Jesus and the story of the cross with God’s children of all ages.
Memorial donations will be under the care of Mason-Woodard Mortuary and can be made payable to: Lenora Wiley Memorial Fund. The fund will be utilized to award scholarships for Missouri Southern State University students majoring in education and will be under the direction of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Monett Area Community Foundation Affiliate.
Donations can be made online at: http://cfozarks.org/lenora
Services will be held at Mt. Hope Church of Christ, Joplin, MO on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Family will receive friends at 10:00 AM, followed by a celebration of life at 11:30 AM. Graveside service will immediately follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
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