Carrie Mae (Gilbert) Wiley, a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, relative, and friend, was born on September 26, 1928, to the late Reverend Anderson O'Gilbert and Florine (Cauley) O'Gilbert in Kirbyville, Texas. Carrie Mae peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the age of 96.

Carrie Mae was raised in a Christian home that manifested a culture and climate of faith, where God was first and religious understanding and education were paramount to living a successful life. She proclaimed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized in her family church, Bon Wier Church of God In Christ (Bon Wier, Texas), where her father was pastor. Later, she attended Old Field COGIC (Biloxi, Texas) with her father, Pastor O'Gilbert, and entire family serving. It was at church that she cultivated singing and playing piano, directed the choir, and taught the great gospel hymns and ministries of the church. Carrie Mae was gifted by God with an amazing ability to excite the church and others with her musical prowess on piano. She fervently played the piano and demonstrated her love of God's gift until her fingers would no longer allow flexible movement.

Carrie Mae attended schools in Kirbyville Consolidated School District, graduating from segregated West Kirbyville High School in 1946. After graduation, Carrie Mae married Norman Preston Hall and began her life as a devoted wife, mother, and superior homemaker. To this union, five children were born, David Preston, Carolyn, Clifton, Norma Ann, and Gloria Jean.

Early in their marriage, the family relocated to Lubbock, Texas where work opportunities were greater for Black people. Three of her five children, Carolyn, Clifton, and Norma Ann, were born in Lubbock. Carrie Mae was a loving and affectionate mother that adored and treasured her children. One of the defining moments of her life occurred when their home in Lubbock burned down and the family had to suddenly return to Kirbyville. During this time, Carrie Mae became ill while pregnant with her fifth child and was admitted to a recovery hospital facility after giving birth.

In later years, Carrie Mae met and married Mr. Morris (Slim) Wiley and relocated to Orange, Texas, where they lived until his death. This union spanned over forty years. Carrie Mae was known for her generosity in sharing her humble resources, straight forward and no-nonsense talking, expert attention to cleanliness in and out of her home, amazing cooking skills, and unwavering love for her children and family. Her home was always immaculate and well-kept. Most of all, she truly enjoyed cooking and serving dishes from scratch for her children and family gatherings. She found joy in playing card games, dominoes, thrift shopping, and listening to church music. Carrie Mae did not allow life's difficulties to stop her. She was full of energy with a resilient spirit and tremendous zest for life.

Carrie Mae was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; children, Carolyn Hall Moore and Clifton Hall; and siblings and their spouses, Jeremiah O'Gilbert (Faye), Lewis Gilbert, Pearlie B. O'Gilbert Hicks (LeeRoy), and Ruth Gilbert Thomas (Lexie).

Those left to celebrate and cherish her memory are her three children, David Preston Hall, Norma Ann Hall, and Gloria (Hall) Gaines Nash; sister-in-law, Leola Faye Gilbert; grandchildren, Damon Hall (Stacy), Tajakka Brown (Sam), Adrian Johnson (Darwin), Brent Moore, Jr., Kevin Levias (Notra), Nathaniel Levias, Jr., Derrard Hall, Crinnon Levias (Fredreka), Perla Lane (Cleveland Jr.), and Gordon Gaines; and twenty-seven great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family, and friends.