Ernestene Wiley

Ernestene passed-away peacefully on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Grapevine,Texas. Family and friends were amazed by Ernestene's determination to regain her strength and mobility during the past few months of rehabilitation, until an infection required a recent hospitalization.

Ernestene enjoyed painting, puzzles and jewelry making during her time in rehab. One of her fondest memories was visiting her son, Lee in South Lake Tahoe, as she marveled at the beauty of Emerald Bay! Ernestene also enjoyed traveling with her sisters to Bellagio in Las Vegas, as well as other exciting casino trips! She also treasured time spent watching her son, Lee's thoroughbreds race at Lone Star Park, and she enjoyed art classes with her daughters, Lisa & Kim.

When Ernestene's children were younger, they spent summers boating & skiing on Lake Bridgeport during the day and playing games with the neighboring lake house friends in the evening. She always looked forward to the family's annual trips to Red River, New Mexico to visit close family friends that owned Pioneer Lodge. Ernestene began her professional career as the Human Resource and Insurance Manager at Denton State School before joining an Insurance Agency in Decatur where she earned an insurance brokers' license. She served on the Wise County United Way Campaign, and she was a respected member of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. Following the sale of the Insurance Agency, she worked an additional ten years to earn retirement from Employee Retirement System through Boyd, ISD.

Ernestene was born in Rosston,Texas to Hugh & Kate Robeson on October 15, 1927 during a home birth in rural Cooke County.

Ernestene is survived by one sister, Karen Peace of Alvord, TX. Ernestene's parents, Hugh Robeson and Kate (Cauble) Robeson proceeded her in death, in addition to four siblings; one brother, H. B. (Curly) Robeson of Beeville, TX., and three sisters, Cornez Blakeney of Foreman, AK., Betty Holley of Runaway Bay, TX., and Barbara King of Alvord, TX.

Ernestene married Elvis Lee Wiley, Sr. in January, 1949 and they resided in Alvord, Texas. Elvis Lee Sr. was a salesman and managing partner of an automobile dealership in Decatur, Texas before retiring in 1984, and passed-away in August, 1998. Elvis Lee Sr. & Ernestene had four children. Vicki Tonya Wiley was born in September, 1949 and sadly passed-away at 15 years' of age in October, 1964.

Ernestene's three surviving children are; Lee Wiley & Partner, Rich Carrera of Grapevine, TX., Lisa Hale of Bowie, TX., and Kim Lambrecht and husband, Tim of Grapevine, TX. Grandchildren that lovingly referred to her as "Nana" include; Christopher "Chaz" Deaton of Grapevine, TX., Misty Loper & husband, Brian of Alvord, TX., Mandy Stone & husband, Jared of Tolar, TX., Caleb Hale & wife, Moriah of Bowie, TX., Chelsea Baker and husband, Dylan of Boyd, TX. Great Grandchildren include; Parker & Jaxson Deaton, Brooks, Paxton, Gentry & Piper Stone, Bristol Loper, Logan Martz & Troyce Hale and, Charley Kate Baker among many beloved nephews & nieces.

A special acknowledgment to her sister-in-law, Luz Robeson and niece, Michelle for all the prayer cards and words of encouragement they provided Ernestene while in Assisted Living and Rehab, along with a host of Ernestene's dear friends that traveled to see her during rehab and treated her to day trips when she resided at Independence Hall, Assisted Living.

The Memorial Service details are pending. Ernestene will be interred next to her late daughter, Vicki at the Alvord Cemetery.