Shirley "Vonnie"

Wiley

Shirley Vontelle "Vonnie" Wiley, 76, of Gravette, Arkansas, departed this life peacefully, on Saturday, July 1, 2023, in the comfort of her home after months of failing health.

Vonnie entered this life on August 2, 1946, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Malcom and Sallie (Cook) Dawson.  She resided in Phoenix until moving with her family to California in 1956, where she graduated from Freemont School of the Deaf.  In 1985, she along with her two sons, moved to a farm near Southwest City, Missouri.

Vonnie loved every person she ever came in contact with.  Her smile was big and contagious and her kindness was beyond measure.  She loved being part of the deaf community and serving others.  Her life's goal was to serve and follow Jesus and to Love one another, as Jesus loved us.  Her life was an example of the Bible verse Ephesians 4:32 – "And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ."  Her life was centered around Christ, reading his word and through her daily devotions.

Her father, Malcom Dawson and a brother, Bill Dawson, preceded her in death.

Vonnie is survived by her two sons, Patrick Wiley and wife, Michelle, of Bentonville, Arkansas and Tim Wiley and wife, Jennifer, of Tampa, Florida; two grandsons, Alec Eurich and Spur Wiley; her mother, Sallie Dawson, of Gravette, Arkansas; a sister Effie Ross of Gravette; two brothers, Butch Dawson also of Gravette and Tom Dawson and wife, Carla, of Rogers, Arkansas; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 7, 2023 at the Gravette Church of Christ with Tom Dawson officiating.  Burial will follow at Wann Cemetery.  Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Patrick Wiley, Tim Wiley, Alec Eurich, Spur Wiley, Tom Smith and Eric Bailey.  The family will receive friends on Friday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church.  Memorials are being directed to the Deaf United Organization c/o the funeral home.  On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website, www.ozarkfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.