Grace B. Wiley-Thomas was born to the late Frances Wiley and the late Melvin Clea in Sumter, South Carolina.
She started her early years in Steelton, Pennsylvania before her family relocated to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and she attended the Harrisburg Public School System. She graduated from John Harris High School in 1968.
Grace married Marvin Thomas their union was blessed with the birth of their beautiful daughter, Nichole Thomas. She later gave birth to her son, Cory Ramsey with her companion, John Ramsey.
During her working career, she was employed as a lead proof encoder for medical claims at EDS from where she retired after 20 years of service. She began working for Merakey as a caregiver for developmental and behavioral health in a group home. Grace enjoyed her job and was very passionate about the quality of care for her clients. Grace worked for over 25 years and recently retired in February 2025. During her employment with Merakey, she became active in her Local Union AFSCME. She was the President of her Local Union for more than 15 years. She also served on the Executive Board of AFSCME District Council 90. Grace traveled throughout the United States fighting for minimum wage increases, healthcare, safe working conditions and job security.
Grace accepted Christ as her Personal Savior and was baptized at an early age. She was a lifelong member of Monumental AME Church, where she served on various committees and boards until her death.
In her leisure, she enjoyed traveling, cooking and watching game shows on TV. Grace loves being in social settings with her friends and family.
Grace also was a good mother, sister and grandmother which she participated in all of their lives in every way possible.
At the age of 76 years, Grace B. Wiley-Thomas, passed from this earthly life into eternal life on Monday, April 21, 2025 at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Gus Wiley, Nate, Earnest Gene, Dwayne Wiley, Samuel Clea, Melvin Dawson and her sister, Sally Ann McLaughlin. She leaves to mourn her loss and cherish their memories of her, her daughter, Nichole Thomas; her son, Cory Ramsey, both of Harrsiburg, Pennsylvania; her grandchildren, Shakera N. Thomas, Shyniece Wright and Marijana Ramsey; her six great grandchildren, Aaliyah, A'miyah, Kaden, Avah, A'nyah and Ky'mere; her siblings, James Wiley, Abraham Reese, Richard Wiley, Anna Wiley, Elizabeth Wiley, all of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Earnestine Brice of San Antonio, Texas, Ellarine Dawson of North Carolina, Alfred Clea, Wyne Clea and a host of other relatives and friends.
Her life will be celebrated at 12 Noon on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in the Chapel of The Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton with viewing and visitation from 11:00 a.m. until 12 Noon and burial in William Howard Day Cemetery.
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Rest in Heaven Auntie your were always so cordial,congenial,kind and A good Sister of the church.
My sincere condolences to the family.
We extend our sincere condolences to all the family, extended family, friends and all who knew Grece and loved her. Her humble kindness will be greatly missed. It is true that God is making up His jewels, He added a precious jewel when He called Grace home. Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. Charlie and Elsa Henderson
Mack, Anna and family, I am sorry I was unable to be with you today to say good by to Gracie. I remember her as such a friendly and pleasant neighbor and friend. May God's peace be with you. Sincerely, Peggi Edmonds
Ruth Delauder
Our sincere condolences we send to the family of Grace Thomas. So sorry, we won't be able to attend because of sickness in our house. Rest In Peace Grace. Love and Prayers!!!
God bless family I loved Ms Grace
Sincere Condolences and Prayers To The Family! I Remember Grace From When I Live On 16th St. And She Would Visit Mrs. Dolly Wiley. She Always Would Speak and Have a Smile On Her Face. REST WELL!
My condolences and prayers to the family.RIP Grace
My Sincerest sympathy to our Family my thoughts and prayers are with you all .Sorry I want be able to attend the Funeral ..Gone in spirit but forever in our hearts .
s Sending my condolence and deepest sympathy to my family at this time so sorry that I am not able to make it there, but my heart and soul is with you all at this time.
I will always remember you at family picnics the fun we had ,I had great time at your birthday party seeing your beautiful smile and the love shown to you by family and friends may you rest in peace in paradise I love you will hold on to special memories May God comfort your family carry them through this time of sorrow love you all will keep you in my prayers Denise Scott
To my cousin Corey sorry for your loss. She was a good mother to you and also a part of our family. Hold you head up and be encouraged. Know that God has you and will never leave. The family is for you. Love you much.
Nick, we would like to send our condolences for the loss of your beloved Mother , I know you can never prepare to lose someone special, and special she was, God reached down and took her home, just where she belong, She's free.
Praying for my family that God comfort my family.
I love me some Ms Grace, she was a sweetie. She will truly be missed. RIP Beautiful.. Sending Prayers, Condolences & Hugs to the family.
Please accept my sincere condolences for your profound loss, may you find comfort in the support of friends and family during this time of sorrow.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.