Arnette VanDyke Willey
January 17, 1926 ~ July 21, 2023
ENFIELD – Arnette VanDyke Willey, age 97, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, July 21, 2023. Born in Halifax County, NC on January 17, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Virgil VanDyke and Pearl Outland VanDyke. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, R.G. Willey, Jr., and her son, Steven Michael Willey.
Arnette was beloved life time member of the Eden United Methodist Church in Enfield. She retired after more than two decades as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, Arnette exemplified unwavering commitment and reliability in her work. However, it was within her own family where Arnette's true passion lay. She cherished her children deeply and, with immense love and care, guided them through life with a perfect blend of nurture and discipline. Beyond the boundaries of her home, Arnette extended her nurturing spirit to all the young individuals in her community. Through her tireless efforts, she became the revered matriarch of Enfield, inspiring and shaping the lives of countless young people.
Arnette is survived by her two sons, Ralph Gibbon Willey, III. and his wife, Lottie of Rocky Mount and Carl Malcolm Willey and his wife, Carol of Nashville; three grandchildren, Paul Willey and his wife, Whitney, Courtney Willey Ottelin and her husband, Brandon, and Blake Willey and his wife, Krista; seven great grandchildren, Reece Willey, Twins, River and Rya Willey, Colton Ottelin, Baker Ottelin, Emma Ottelin and Ryland Willey; and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Arnette’s life will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 11:30 A.M. in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Keith Griffin officiating. Burial will follow the service at Willey Family Cemetery, 4690 Justice Branch Road, Enfield, NC 27823. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the compassionate staff members at Nash UNC Hospice & Palliative Care and Brookdale Assisted Living. Their unwavering support and care during Arnette’s final days brought immense comfort to both her and her loved ones.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Arnette’s memory to Nash UNC Hospice & Palliative Care, 2460 Curtis Ellis Dr, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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Ms. Willey was a kind hearted sweet person I loved going to work at Brookdale and getting to see her face light up once anyone enter her room she adored everybody and her smile was so contagious that it warms your heart I will forever remember every memory I got to make each day with her. Ms. Willey will forever hold a place in my heart💖
Dear Ralph, Carl & family, Big Sister lived a long life. Each moment was lived to the fullest. I share in the sadness of your loss. Love, Dale
Annette will always be to me, the “mama” most full of life, love and laughter. Even through tragedy, she persevered in such a remarkable way. She played a very dear role in my formative years and I will always love her.
Our love and prayers are with you. May God bless you with a peace that surpasses all understanding. In loving memory of Big Sister.
Our condolences to the Willey family. I have many fond memories of Arnette and how she would take me and Carl places, her fantastic personality and how she would check in on my grandparents. She was actually in my parents wedding in 1954 at Eden Church the day after hurricane Hazel. She sure will be missed. With sadden hearts Bill and Alison Melina
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mrs. Willey I remember how sweet and kind of a lady you were. It was a blessing being you caregiver I love you and I will always miss you❤️
our prayers and love go out to the entire family.
Dal and Jennette Coppedge
Ms. Arnette was a kind and compassionate woman. She had a warm and infectious smile that encouraged those she encountered. She loved and gave from the heart. She had a special place in our lives.
M. Anthony Barfield & the Arlene Barfield Family
My deepest condolences for your loss. Your mom was incredibly special to me. People in my line of work say don’t have your favorites, but I learned early on that Arnette would be mine. With her finger in the air and come stay with me awhile, there was no chance she wouldn’t be. I will always treasure her memory in my heart and soul. At Brookdale if she was ready to go back to her apartment and didn’t want to wait a minute, if I was going by, everyone would say come get your momma and away we would go. Thank you for allowing me the honor of taking care of your mother.
Sorry for y’all loss Mrs Wiley was a very special lady that I love I was here caregiver at Brookdale rest my sweet friend praying for the family Brenda Cox