Celeste Wiley

Celeste D. Wiley, a beacon of light and life, transitioned peacefully into eternity on February 22, 2024, due to natural causes, surrounded by love in her hometown of Staten Island, New York. Born on May 18, 1966, to Delores and the late Oliver Wiley, Celeste's journey began as a spirited child who grew to touch countless hearts with her unwavering optimism and passion for life.
Celeste's academic pursuits, characterized by her dedication to excellence, saw her graduating from Port Richmond High School in 1984 and later achieving a bachelors degree of science with distinction in business management from Nyack College in 2010. Her drive and commitment to her professional life were evident through her long-standing 30-year tenure at Deutsche Bank, which was a testament to her exemplary work ethic and her ability to inspire those around her. Celeste's career also included meaningful contributions to McDonald's, Waldbaum's, National Debt Relief, and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, where she dedicated her heart and efforts to improving the lives of others.
Her vibrant persona was not confined to the workplace; Celeste was a woman of diverse interests and talents. Her hands brought to life the most intricate arts and crafts, and her spirit found joy in the simple pleasures of working out, traveling, and immersing herself in the stories of Tubi movies. Celeste was a soul who lived for adventure, reveling in road trips to explore the myriad of amusement and water parks that dot the eastern seaboard. Her love of the casino was more than a pastime; it was a chapter in her story of embracing every moment.
Above all, Celeste's life was a narrative of love and legacy. She was a devoted daughter to Delores Wiley. She was a beloved niece to Sandra Cooper, Darlene Ravenell, and Andre Ravenell (predeceased). She was a doting and beloved mother to Rashad Tillman and Shanesse Alston, a cherished grandmother to Jaida and Dallas Alston, and an adored aunt to Toniya George and great-niece Zuri Kirlew. She will also be sorely missed by her partner of 8 years, Julio Joseph and a host of cousins, loved ones, and friends. Her family was the very heartbeat of her existence, with every role she played executed with selfless devotion and the deepest love. In her life's journey, Celeste was predeceased by her father, Oliver, her beloved sister, Antoinette, and her nephew Kwame George whose memories she held close to her heart.
Celeste's life story can be encapsulated by the wise words of Maya Angelou, who once said, "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." Celeste embodied this philosophy, thriving with passion that set her soul ablaze, compassion that made her a sanctuary for others, humor that was a balm in troubled times, and a style that was uniquely, unapologetically Celeste.
Her remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of positivity and the impact of a life well-lived. She inspired all who knew her to lead with love, to find joy in the journey, and to always reach for the stars. Celeste was the epitome of someone who not only dreamed but also dared to turn those dreams into reality. She was an individual who saw the best in others and helped them to recognize that best within themselves.
In an existence measured not by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away, Celeste Wiley's life was an extraordinary composition of breathtaking moments. Her story does not end with her passing but lives on in the hearts of those she touched and the lives she enriched.
As we reflect on the life of Celeste D. Wiley, let us carry forward the light she shone so brightly. May we all strive to embody her unyielding optimism, her selfless nature, and her passionate soul as we navigate the chapters of our own lives. Celeste's legacy is a reminder that life, in all its fleeting beauty, is to be seized, celebrated, and cherished with every fiber of our being.