Paine College Mourns the Loss of Reverend Dr. Willie J. Wiley ’70, Trustee and Loyal Son

February 27, 2023

May 26, 2023 .......Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, President, and the Paine College Family mourn the loss of Reverend Dr. Willie J. Wiley '70, Board of Trustees member, loyal and faithful alumnus. Reverend Wiley served as Immediate-past Presiding Elder of the Sparta-Augusta District for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church of Georgia.

A retired soldier and educator with over 25 years in the ministry, he earned the following educational citations: Bachelors of Science in Biology at Paine College, Master of Public Administration in Education at Webster University, Education Specialist Degree from Augusta College. He made history as the first black graduate having received a Doctorate in Education in Administration Supervision from Georgia Southern University. He also holds certificates in Theology from Interdenominational Theological Center and Teaching Technology from Augusta Technical College.

Reverend Wiley was a charter member of Epsilon Psi Chapter, of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated at Paine College. He has a myriad of experiences in administration, teaching, training, communication, coordination, and personnel management.

Reverend Wiley was preceded in death by his mother Mrs. Fannie Mae Wiley and sister Betty Waters. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Martha Ann Wiley, Paine College alumna, and two adult children: Christie and James H. Wiley. He is also survived by five sisters; Tennie Jackson, Lillian Williams, Eleanor Robinson, Mary Ann Hickey, Vera Coleman (Malcom); two sister in laws; Bernice Henderson (Charles Henderson), Irma Jean Storey; one brother-in-law Lafayette Hart (Ilona), one God daughter Patti McMillan, several nieces, nephews and a host of church family and friends.

Reverend Dr. Wiley believed that God continuously works in and through those who claim Jesus as Lord and accepts His pardon for their sin. His favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. He considered it a blessing and privilege to be able to serve our magnificent God.

Funeral Service and Interment
The funeral service will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 12 noon in the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel, Paine College. Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. will give the Eulogy. The Interment will follow at Bellevue Memorial Gardens and Chapel, 4501 Wrightsboro Road, Grovetown, GA. Williams Memorial CME Church will host the Repast. Services have been entrusted with Thomson Funeral Systems located in Thomson, GA.