Special to The Mississippi Link
The Jackson City Council recently recognized the ‘untiring’ community service and outstanding citizenry of longtime entrepreneur Audrey B. Wiley. The resolution was presented by Council President Frank Bluntson of Ward 4, who said during a prior interview that he applauds Wiley and her family for what they do for their community.
She is a native of Jayess, Miss., and received her formative education in the Tylertown, Miss. Public School District. Upon graduation from high school, she received a Certificate of Business from the Nationwide Business School, Jackson., Miss. She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration, and a master’s degree in vocational administration from Jackson State University;
Her work history includes serving as branch director for the Mississippi Department of Education’s Office of Vocational and Technical Education, and supervisor for Lamar Life Insurance Claims Department
On Feb. 17, 1996, Wiley co-established the Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, along with fellow entrepreneurs Freddie Davis and Anthony Davis. After much success, the business expanded and opened facilities in Hazlehurst and Utica, Miss.
According to her friends and associates, Wiley’s creativity and vision have earned her numerous awards such as Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s Image Award for Entrepreneur of the Year and the prestigious 2007 Mississippi Majesty Award which recognizes the outstanding contributions of African Americans across the State.
Her community involvements include membership in various civic and professional organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., National Coalition of 100 Black Women, National Funeral Directors & Mortician Associ-ation, Jackson State University Alumni Association, and the NAACP.
“She is one of the most giving individuals I know,” said The Mississippi Link publisher Jackie Hampton. “She is an outstanding business woman and dedicated church member who gives of her time, talent and resources most generously, and I consider her a loving friend.,”
Wiley is a member of College Hill Baptist Church, where she was recently featured in the church newsletter as “a Prolific Servant.” There she chairs the hostess ministry, works with the youth ministry, serves on the trustee ministry, and in a number of other faith-based areas.
Wiley said she is committed to helping others. This commitment is reflected in her participation and organization of numerous charitable activities, including Westhaven’s Annual Christmas Give-A-Way and Westhaven’s annual benefit concert for Mississippi Fed-eration for the Blind.
She feels she is able to accomplish the things she does with the help of God. That is how she balances an “innovative businesswoman” lifestyle with being a devoted mother and grandmother.
She is the proud mother of one son, Gary Dewayne (Alicia), who serves as a NCAA football referee, and is the loving grandmother of two, Miles and Morgan, all of whom are exceedingly proud of her accomplishments.
According to the resolution, “Councilman Frank Bluntson, along with his council colleagues, do hereby honor and commend Ms. Audrey Bernice Wiley for her commitment to excellence as a business leader and for her dedication to the City of Jackson.”
Editor’s Note: As part of its mission as a statewide, community newspaper, The Mississippi Link would like to salute others whose civic and community services may be featured in our newly established, Profile of An Outstanding Citizen. While we cannot guarantee every submission will be published, please feel free to share with us individuals for this recognition.
Email their story to editor@mississippilink.com and note your entry, ‘Profile of An Outstanding Citizen.’ The individual should be a Mississippi resident or have close ties to Mississippi.
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