Gladyce Leonard Wiley peacefully passed away surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, June 21, 2026, at the age of ninety-four. While her voice has been silenced, its sweet sound will linger in our memories for years to come as we celebrate a life well lived.

Gladyce was born on January 14, 1932, in Jonesboro, LA, to the late Dock and Katie Leonard. She was baptized at an early age and became a member of Bethany Baptist Church, where she served diligently for over 40 years. After relocating to Natchitoches, LA, she transferred her membership to First Baptist Church on North Street, where she served as a teacher, choir member, and deaconess. She was also a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star, sharing their mission to make a positive difference in the world through charitable works, lasting friendships, and loving kindness.

Gladyce graduated with honors from Jackson High School in the spring of 1950. She continued her education at Grambling State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in 1954. A beloved and devoted teacher with a tremendous passion for learning, she balanced full-time teaching and raising two sons while furthering her own education. She obtained a Master of Science degree from Northwestern State University in 1973, followed by a Master’s degree Plus 30 Graduate Hours from the same institution in 1985. Gladyce was employed by the Natchitoches Parish School Board until her retirement and was a proud member of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana.

Following her graduation from Grambling, Gladyce married Roosevelt Wiley, and to this union two sons were born: Frederick Wiley (Linda) and Ricky Wiley (Pecola). Gladyce was blessed with six grandchildren: Shanna (Bill), Whitney (Frank), Ariel, Brittany, Ricardo (Alfreda) and Leonard (Augusta), as well as five great-grandchildren: Wesley, Cordelia, Wylie, Porscha and Paisley (deceased). She was an exceptionally generous giver, and her grandchildren frequently reaped the rewards of her love and generosity.

Gladyce was preceded in death by her parents, Dock and Katie Leonard, and her siblings and their spouses: her older sister, Elvie Mason (WL); her younger sister, Charlene Shadrick (Johnny); and her older brother, Charles Leonard (Florene). She had a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.