Annette Wiley

Annette Wiley was the eldest of six children born to the late Herman Cole and Idella Southern Cole on September 20, 1939 in Birmingham, Alabama. Annette took great pride in her role as a big sister to Ella Mae Cole (predeceased), Edward Leon Cole (predeceased), Juanita Cole Terry, Katherine Cole Gilchrist, and Derry Cole. She began her education at Lincoln Elementary School in the Smithville community and later attended Ullman High School in Birmingham, where she successfully completed her studies in January 1959. Following graduation, Annette embraced life’s challenges with resilience and determination. She supported herself and her growing family with the help of her loved ones and through her work as a residential cleaning services provider. She married Artie Steve Wiley on August 15, 1962, and together they built a life filled with devotion and family. They were blessed with more children, and later, in 1971, Annette and Steve relocated from the Kingston community in Birmingham to Norwalk, Connecticut, in pursuit of new opportunities. After settling in Connecticut, Annette began working in industrial manufacturing at Diane’s Knit Factory, a position she held for a number of years. Although she was badly injured on the job, her strong work ethic and unwavering dedication made her an invaluable member of her workplace and community. She also worked at 3M, the Holson company, and Toys R Us where she retired. Annette had a dedicated spiritual life. She served faithfully at Mt. Zion Baptist church in Norwalk Connecticut, where she sang on the choir, attended Sunday school and served as a missionary. She also attended a host of trips and activities trips to Disney World, Niagara Falls, Sight and Sounds and many shopping sprees. She always kept her grandchildren with her in every experience. She cherished time spent with family. Known for her big smile, witty personality, and laughter, Annette always had a joke and a smile. Annette will always be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and commitment to her family. Each of her family members held a special place in her heart. She led a fruitful life, touching the hearts of all who knew her with her kindness and quiet strength. She is survived by her siblings Juanita Terry (David), Katherine Gilchrist (Joseph, predeceased), Derry Cole (Diane), beloved five children, Cassandra Cole, Herman Cole (Shari), Faye Cole, Artie Wiley (Anne Marie) , and Darold Wiley (Sheila), her grandchildren Michelle Cole, Kimberly Napaul (Gurvitch), Michael Cole (Shaunda), Sharaya Wiley, Marvin Cole, Jamar Kinder, Merronica Cole, Faye Cole, Ebony Wiley (Nick), Herman Cole III (Erica), Angela Cole-Quinlan, Alicia Cole-Quinlan, Asia Wiley, and Jalen Wiley, 18 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Visitation will be held on Friday July 25, 2025 from 10:00AM - 11:00 AM followed by a service of celebration at 11:00AM at Bethel AME Church 19 Mervin/Academy St., Norwalk, CT. Interment will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport.

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Annette Wiley

September 20, 1939 - July 16, 2025